Megas 2024/2025 competitions involved 80 students from 20 Azorean schools - Communication

Secretaria Regional da Educação, Cultura e Desporto

The regional phase of the Megas Escolares 2024/2025 event was held at the João Paulo II Sports Complex in Angra do Heroísmo.

The event took place as part of the Azores School Sport programme (DEA), organised by the Regional Directorate for Education and Educational Administration, in cooperation with the Regional Directorate for Sport (DRD), through the Terceira Island Sports Service. Its partners included the Angra do Heroísmo Basic Education School (as the host school for the visiting teams), the Terceira Island Athletics Association and the municipalities of Angra do Heroísmo and Praia da Vitória.

The initiative involved the participation of 80 students aged nine to 15 from 20 schools within the regional education system: Terceira Island (49), São Miguel Island (17), Faial Island (six), São Jorge Island (five), Santa Maria Island (one), Pico Island (one) and Graciosa Island (one).

The event was also attended by 21 teachers representing several groups.

The programme included a welcome meeting and technical training for all the participating students. It also featured the regional MegaSprint and Mega Jump competitions in the Children's A, Children's B and Beginners' categories, for both male and female athletes, followed by a closing ceremony with the awarding of medals.

A demonstration of vortex throwing was also planned; however, it was cancelled due to adverse weather conditions.

Both competitive events have qualified 12 students from five islands - São Miguel (six), Terceira (two), Faial (two), São Jorge (one) and Santa Maria (one) - for the national phase, scheduled for March 27 and 28 in Caldas da Rainha. The students will be accompanied by four teachers representing their respective groups.

This event was another opportunity for the Region's students to showcase their talent. The Regional Secretary for Sport, Sofia Ribeiro, pointed out that school sport is also about citizenship, respect and friendship.