The Regional Secretary for Education and Training stated at the “Portas do Mar” in Ponta Delgada on Wednesday night that the Island Games are “an important vehicle for the promotion of sport, citizenship as well of the Olympic ideals in the Azores amongst European youngsters from insular regions.”
Lina Mendes spoke at the opening ceremony of the 14th edition of the sports event that brings teenagers from European islands to the Azores this year.
The Secretary added that the initiative is also an opportunity to promote the Region beyond borders as well the conviviality, exchange and friendship that the participants will never forget.
On the other hand, Lina Mendes said that fact that the Organising Committee of the Island Games (COJI) has entrusted the organisation of this international sports event to the Azores “is the recognition of the organisational capacity of the Azores.”
This was also stressed by the chairman of COJI and the mentor of the initiative, Pierre Santoni, when he stated that the Azores may be proud for having “prepared the Games with dedication,” thus “providing youngsters, searching for intense emotions, a training opportunity in a place full of light and beauty.”
The opening ceremony of the Island Games “Azores 2010” also included a parade of the participating delegations, a show featuring music, dances and fireworks.