The Regional Assistant Secretary Presidency for Parliamentary Affairs stated today that the Graciosa Cultural, Sports and Recreational Association is "an example for the youth association movement" in the Azores, emphasising the "very interesting impact their activities have on the local communities where it is active."

Isabel Rodrigues spoke at the end of a meeting with the board of the association that was held under the Regional Government's statutory visit to Graciosa Island. The government official highlighted the diversity of activities developed by the institution among different target audiences, from the museum, a site of tourist interest, to the activities carried out by the mobile library and the Information and Technology space.

The association also features a sports component. Currently, it has nearly eighty young athletes who practice sailing and handball.

"This is the kind of activities that associations can develop with a very positive impact insofar as it provides an effective contribution to the development of young people," stressed the Regional Secretary.

In this regard, the government official stressed that associations such as that on Graciosa Island "are very important alternatives for the occupation of children's free time in peripheral communities and, simultaneously, provides a complement to more formal school activities."

"This space is sought after by children during holiday time and after school hours to carry out their research activities using the Internet. It is a good example of how we can take a positive action in our communities with a set of resources and the support of the Regional Government, without which these activities would not be sustainable as they are non-profit," stressed Isabel Rodrigues.

The Graciosa Cultural, Sports and Recreational was founded in 1993 with the aim of promoting civic participation of Graciosa youth as well as the promotion and collaboration in socio-cultural, sports and recreational projects.