A student, a teacher, a school and an Azorean municipality will be distinguished at the 6th National School Sports Gala that will take place in Lisbon on Thursday, an honour that pleases the Azorean Government.

The National School Sports Gala, organised by the Directorate-General for Innovation and Curriculum Development of the Ministry of Education, annually awards prizes to entities that excel in the context of School Sports. There are six categories: “Student,” “School,” “International,” and “Municipality” which are awarded in each of the five Regional Directorates for Sports (North Region, Centro Region, Lisbon, Alentejo and Algarve) as well as in the Autonomous Region of the Azores. Moreover, there is a “Special” category to be awarded at a national level. 

The student from the Vitorino Nemésio Secondary School, Joana Lopes, was distinguished in the “Student” category for her dedication and commitment in School Sports.

Marta Freitas e Sá, teacher at the Biscoitos Basic Education School on Terceira Island, was distinguished in the “Teacher” category for her level of commitment and dedication in the organisation of all the school sports activities. 

The Arrifes Basic Education School on São Miguel Island won the “School” category for having regularly participated in the School Sports Games, achieving good scores, and for its dedication in the organisation of the various stages of the games that it welcomes in its facilities.

The Regional Director for Sports also decided to appoint the Praia da Vitória City Hall for the “Municipality” category given the support provided to the School Sports activities organised in the municipality.

The gala, which will be presided over by the Ministry of Education, will be attended by the Regional Secretary for Education and Training and by the Regional Director for Sports.

For Lina Mendes the Azorean distinction at National School Sports Gala “is is the recognition of the effort that has been developed in the archipelago,” by the Regional Directorate for Sports and by schools, “to promote physical activity and healthy lifestyles.”

“We are living in a period that promotes sport,” the Secretary stated, reminding that the Azores will host the Island Games in May 2010, a sports event that will gather nearly 1,500 participants.