Sports clubs and associations will be able to run for the Sports Excellence Award, a distinction established by the Government of the Azores, through the Regional Director for Sport.

This award, established by Ordinance no. 24/2012 of February 13, embodies the commitment inscribed in goal 5 of Government's Programme, which is "to improve the organisation and management of associations," mainly through the creation of a "sports excellence award to annually recognise sports associations that distinguish themselves for their organisation quality and performance."

Presented this afternoon at a press conference organised by the Regional Director for Sport, the prize will be annually awarded to a sports club with the purpose of promoting and improving the organisation and management of associations. This distinction is also a public recognition of the organisations that stand out for their organisation, performance and quality as role model.

During the presentation of this initiative, António Gomes pointed out that the Sports Excellence Award "is based on two important values: the value of organisational quality and the value of performance quality," which "means that it is not enough to be well organised or achieve good results: it is necessary to combine both aspects."

The prize, which includes a financial incentive of three thousand Euros, will enable the use of the reference "Sports Excellence Award" in all their sports activities. In this context, the two distinguished entities should use it in their activities on a daily basis," stressed the Regional Director.

The prize-delivery ceremony, which will take place simultaneously with the Azores Sports Gala, also includes the awarding of a plaque.
António Gomes launched the challenge to associations and clubs, encouraging them to run for this new Sports Excellence Award.

This application is made by filing in a specific application form, available on the Regional Directorate for Sport page at the internet portal of the Government of the Azores and should be submitted by the end of February.

The sports club and association distinguished this year can re-apply after 3 years.