The 21st Edition of the School Sports Games counts upon the presence of 897 participants, who represent 19 Azorean schools. This is an annual competition that promotes physical activity and helps to promote the school spirit.
In the “European Year for Combating Poverty and Social Exclusion,” the chosen theme/slogan for the current edition of the School Sports Games was “Todos Jogam” (All Play) which clearly alludes to the spirit of integration of the Regional Educational System.
Similarly to previous years, the School Sports Games are divided into Zone Phases (qualifications) and Regional Phases; they are addressed at middle school, junior high school and secondary school students.
The Zone Phases for middle school students will be held from April 26 April to 30. The Zone B Phase takes place at the Horta Basic Education School and the Zone A at the Maria Basic Education and Secondary School.
The Zone A, B and C Phases for junior high school students will be held at the Ribeira Grande Secondary School, the Biscoitos Basic Education School and the Manuel de Arriaga Secondary School from May 4 to 7.
The Regional Phase for middle school students will be held at the Roberto Ivens between June 7 and 11 and the qualified delegations will integrate Special Education students in an innovative joint project of the Regional Directorate for Sport and the Regional Directorate for Education and Training.
With regard to the category of male and female futsal, the Zone Phases of the islands of Pico and São Miguel have already taken place and the respective Regional Phase is will be held on the island of Terceira between June 3 and 5.
Of the 897 participants in this edition of the games, 763 are students and 134 are teachers. It is also important to mention that eight middle schools will be represented in the games as well as thirteen junior high schools and seven secondary schools.
The Regional Directorate for Sport, António Gomes, will provide more information on this Azorean project at a press conference to take place at the boardroom of the Office of the Regional Directorate for Sport in Angra do Heroísmo next Friday at 11 AM.
The School Sports Games are an initiative with acknowledged sports and educational merit which aims to bring the society closer to schools. Moreover, this is a project worthy of trust and investment that unquestionably encourages the development of a “school spirit” since the students, who go through this experience become aware that they are representing “their” school, their “school community” and, in some cases, “their” island.