The Regional Director for Communities stated on the island of Pico that the Azores are now experiencing "a cultural convergence," alluding to the more than 3,600 immigrants from nearly 80 countries residing in the archipelago. In this context, he defended the importance of initiatives that "promote the knowledge of cultural diversity."

 "Despite the good levels of integration of all those who have chosen to live and work in the Azores, make this land their new, it is always important to organise initiatives that promote the knowledge of cultural diversity," said Paulo Teves. The government official spoke at the presentation of the "Race for Interculturism," an initiative promoted by the Regional Directorate for Communities in partnership with the Regional Directorate for Sport and Pico Athletics Association.

 Paulo Teves stressed that "sport has no linguistic boundaries, no physical boundaries and no cultural boundaries," pointing out the importance of stimulating cultural contact, because only then we can "eliminate discriminatory or xenophobic attitudes in the future."

 "Only by knowing other cultures, we will be able to understand their specificities and the way they see the world," the Regional Director said, adding that the integration of immigrants is a "major goal of the Azorean Government."

 The "Race for Interculturalism" will take place in the municipality of Madalena, Pico Island, on September 20. The event is supported by the three municipalities of that island.

 The initiative, open to all those who wish to participate, includes a 1.5 kilometre walk for those who do not want to run and three levels for runners: one for participants between 8 and 12 years, another for participants between 13 and 16 years and the other is for participants over 17 years.

 During the presentation of this race, the Regional Director for Sport highlighted the importance of sport as an "area of social intervention." It contributes to the construction of an Azorean society that will be "increasingly marked by solidarity, integration, participation and the exercise of active citizenship."

 "In Azorean sport all are welcome and may find opportunities to practice sport, either through physical activities or through sports federations," António Gomes said, stressing that sport is "a factor of social integration of all and for all."

 The event features former international athlete Carla Sacramento, a 1500-metre specialist, who is a descendant of immigrants from São Tome. It also counts on the participation of Maria João Silva, an athlete with Down syndrome that is a native of Lajes do Pico. Currently, she is a world record holder and World champion in 800-metre march as well as European Champion in 1,500-metre run and 1,500-metre march in adapted sports.