The Regional Director for Communities stated in Madalena, Pico Island, that the integration of immigrants living in the archipelago is "a priority in the action of the Government."

"The integration of all citizens who choose our islands as their new home is also made through the promotion of initiatives that are intended to value the cultural identity of each one, encouraging the dissemination of the specificities of their homeland," said Paulo Teves, who spoke at the prize-delivery ceremony of the Race for Interculturalism.

This initiative aims to promote the healthy coexistence between peoples and cultures through football. It is organised by the Regional Government through the Regional Directorates for Communities and Sport in partnership with the Pico Athletics Association.

"In addition to promoting and validating the importance of sports practice, this action embodies our unequivocal will to build an increasingly inclusive society and encourage the respect for others in a true promotion of interculturalism," said Regional Director.
For Paulo Teves, "the presence of more than 3,600 immigrants, from 80 countries, residing in the archipelago demonstrates the presence multiculturalism in our daily lives."

In his speech, the Region Director stressed the importance the disseminating the diversity of peoples and cultures in the Azores, noting that their integration should be "a mission not only of the Government, local authorities and various organizations, but also each of one of us."

"On the island of Pico, the presence of immigrants is clearly visible through the 34 nationalities representing more than 2.5% of the total resident population," stressed Paulo Teves.

The competition that took place today in Madalena, divided into three age groups, involved the participation of nearly 100 athletes, who received several awards designed by ARRISCA Association and manufactured by deported citizens. The event also included a walk.

The Race for Interculturalism, which had the support of the three municipalities of Pico Island, also featured the participation of former international athlete Carla Sacramento. A descendant of immigrants from São Tomé e Príncipe, she won the World Champion title (1997) and the European title (1996). She also participated in four consecutive Olympic Games (1992, 1996, 2000 and 2004) and six World Championships (1993, 1995, 1997, 1999, 2001 and 2003). The event also counted on the participation of Maria João Silva, an athlete with Down syndrome, who 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.