Regional Government organises European meeting on innovation in sport - Communication

Secretaria Regional da Saúde e Desporto

The Regional Secretariat for Health and Spor, through the Regional Directorate for Sport (DRD), is organising "The Islands of Innovation in European Sport," an event that will take place in Ponta Delgada at the University of the Azores between June 5 and 7. 

This is an annual meeting organised by EPSI - The European Platform for Sport Innovation, of which the Regional Directorate for Sport is a member. The 2023 edition will be hosted by the Autonomous Region of the Azores following a challenge launched by this entity to the Regional Government to bring the theme of innovation in sport to the archipelago.

The Regional Directorate for Sport expects about a hundred members from several European countries and regions to take part in this event. For three days, the Azores will promote innovation in sport; the creation of business opportunities for local companies, particularly in the area of nature tourism; the empowerment of economic agents, including sports agents; the convergence of several regional entities with Europe; and also the search for funding opportunities through European-wide projects.

Overall, "The Islands of Innovation in European Sport" event aims to highlight the importance of innovation in the context of sport, especially through the particularities of sport and innovation in the Region, as well as to create value in contributing to its development and promoting the cross-sectoral dimension of sport.

The event will include several networking moments to bring together synergies so that public policies can be promoted in a joint and coordinated manner, with the aim of addressing existing needs and defining strategies for the development of European-wide projects.

The event's programme, which has English as its working language, also includes a tour to the island of São Miguel for participants, showcasing the Region's natural beauty while also exploring its tourism potential.

It should be noted that a limited number of places are available for residents interested in participating in this European meeting with special access conditions. Detailed information is available at the email [email protected] or by telephone 295 206 980 (Regional Directorate for Sport), and also on our social media: Facebook Direção Regional do Desporto - Açores | Facebook and Instagram @drdazores. 

This initiative has as partners the Regional Directorate for Tourism and the Regional Directorate for Entrepreneurship and Competitiveness, the University of the Azores, the Municipality of Ponta Delgada and the Chamber of Commerce and Industry of Ponta Delgada.

The EPSI is a non-profit European association, headquartered in Brussels, which operates based on a network of members whose focus is innovation in the areas of physical activity, sport, leisure, health and tourism, among others.

It comprises 125 members from various European countries and regions. The annual general assembly is held in the region of one of its members.