Sofia Ribeiro defines "autonomy" of sports entities as strategic axis for sustainability and merit - Communication

Secretaria Regional da Educação, Cultura e Desporto

The Regional Secretary for Education, Culture and Sport stated today at the Legislative Assembly of the Autonomous Region of the Azores that public policies for the sector should focus on creating conditions for sports entities to achieve greater independence.

"Rather than focusing our political strategy on allocating support, public policies must be based on developing conditions that allow sports clubs and associations to operate with greater autonomy," she said.

During the debate on sports support policies, Sofia Ribeiro stressed that the Azorean Government's priority is to invest in regional athletes.

"The focus should be on training levels, investing in Azorean athletes," she defended, pointing out that this commitment fosters the development of senior levels and shapes more active and informed citizens.

The Regional Secretary rejected generalised views on financial difficulties in the sector, clarifying that specific situations of mismanagement should not be confused with the overall reality.

"One cannot generalise situations that are specific to some clubs and that are the result of their own management choices to the entire sports sector," she stressed, adding that, in certain cases, it is these choices that lead to the freezing of funds by creditors or tax obligations.

Sofia Ribeiro noted that the autonomy that the Government intends to promote is already visible in procedural changes. For the first time, during the 2025/2026 season, the Government processed 100% of the allocated support for travel and complementary support for national competition activities and the Azores football championship, as well as support for hiring coaches, in a single instalment.

"Overall, clubs and associations are beginning 2026 better than ever before, with all their participation fees paid," assured the government official.

The effectiveness of public policies was also demonstrated through demographic and sports data. Sofia Ribeiro revealed that the Azores currently have a "record number" of athletes (24,872), coaches and other agents.

In terms of high performance, the Region has surpassed national and international podium figures.

"The number of participants in national teams has been increasing. The number of medal winners at an international level has been growing, and we have not had any Olympic hopefuls for over a decade," the Regional Secretary pointed out, noting that there are currently four athletes in this category.

For Sofia Ribeiro, the current situation shows that the sector is experiencing a moment of vitality that extends beyond subsidies.

"Sport in the Azores is much more than just the allocation of support," she said. In this regard, the government official regretted that views biased by political party interests attempt to present a negative perspective that she considers to be "a lack of respect and consideration for the work carried out by those who have dedicated themselves, with quality work, and have achieved results that greatly dignify the Autonomous Region of the Azores."