The Government of the Azores will award the global amount of 156,808 Euros to the sports associations representing Track and Field on four islands (São Miguel, Terceira, Pico and Faial) in 2012.

Of this amount, 63 thousand Euros were awarded to support regional events, 88 thousand Euros to support national events and 5 thousand Euros to support regional refereeing.

These support measures were discussed and unanimously approved at the Track and Field Summit that brought together the Regional Directorate for Sport and entities representing the archipelago's sports associations.

This Summit also included the presentation and assessment of the expected impact on sports associations resulting from the implementation of a series of budget containment measures for 2012.
 
Regarding this situation, all associations have reiterated their availability to continue with their meritorious work in developing regional sports.

This meeting also was organised with the purpose of collecting statistical information on Track and Field. As of 2011, there were 1297 athletes representing 30 clubs that participated in 712 games and local competitions. According to the data provided, there were also 56 coaches, 123 referees and judges and 40 sports leaders.

As it had been requested by the Regional Director for Sport, and in order to implement a budget constraint measure, all associations have created an organisational model for the competitions that represents a decrease of approximately 15%, compared to the amount granted last year.