The President of the Regional Government highlighted today the importance of "Sata Rallye Azores" as a "competition that has allowed the Azores to enhance their visibility in the sports sector, being a valuable tool in the external promotion of our Region.”

For Carlos César, the Government's support to this sports event is "a profitable and advantageous investment," whose impact goes beyond its immediate effect.

Speaking at the end of an audience granted to the President of Grupo Desportivo Comercial, Francisco Coelho, the government official stressed that this club has achieved prestige internationally and the fact that "SATA Rallye Azores" is the most prestigious Portuguese rallye competition abroad. The relevance of this event evidences the good results of the investment and the organisational capacity of Grupo Desportivo Comercial.

Francisco Coelho announced at the audience the inclusion of this sports competition in the European Rallye Championship (ERC) - a more prestigious competition - next year. For Carlos César, this fact accomplishes the goal of hosting a rallye championship "that raises the Azores to prominence, being also an effective tool in the external projection of the Azores abroad."
 
In this context, the President of the Government said that "it would be good for the Azores if they promote sports events that do not bring disadvantages in terms of size or distance compared to other places," as it has been the case of rallye competitions.

With regard to the sports management of different clubs and associations, it would be good that "one becomes aware of what can be improved taking into account the size of the archipelago and its constraints."

When asked to comment on the continuity of governmental policies in the area of sport, Carlos César conveyed his belief that the next Regional Government "is aware of the importance of some sports events in the external promotion of the Region" and reminded the work developed by Vasco Cordeiro as Secretary for the Economy in this area. "

Hence, "this path will continue to be followed, always taking into account the existence of priorities in our collective life that may interfere in the normal management of these processes," said government official.

"Nonetheless, it is important to promote the importance of the Azores abroad, which is especially relevant for the tourism sector in order to boost its potentialities," concluded the President of the Government.