Lanzarote Celebrates Sporting Excellence at the VII Gala del Deporte
The stage is set for the VII gala del Deporte, a prestigious event honoring Lanzarote and La Graciosa’s exceptional sporting achievements. scheduled for February 17th at the stunning Jameos del Agua, the gala promises a night of festivity and recognition.
Juan Monzón, the Councillor for Sports, emphasized the dedication of his team to crafting an event worthy of the islands’ remarkable athletic talent.He extended his congratulations to all nominees, acknowledging their dedication and accomplishments throughout the past year.
The gala will showcase both individual and collective sporting triumphs.A distinguished jury has carefully selected three nominees in each category, male and female, with the winners to be announced on the night of the event.
Among the individual nominees are Dylan Donnegan, the world champion surfer, Rayderley Zapata, the Olympic gymnast, and Alonso Pérez, the accomplished regatta sailor. The female nominees include Amelie Skiba, a rising star in karate, Carolina Bravo, a national team footballer, and Diana López, a world champion in Pole Dance.
The collective categories highlight the strength of Lanzarote’s team spirit. In the male category, the nominees are the regatta duo Alfredo González and Cristian Sánchez, Unión Sur Yaiza, who achieved a historic promotion to the Segunda RFEF, and CB San José Obrero, who climbed to the División de Honor Plata.
The female collective nominees are CD Orientación Marítima, who secured promotion to the Segunda RFEF Femenina, Club Balonmano Puerto del Carmen, who triumphed in the División de Honor Oro, and Club Deportivo Isla de Lanzarote’s gymnastics team, who earned medals at the Island Games.
Councillor Monzón acknowledged the numerous deserving athletes and clubs,extending his congratulations not only to the nominees but to all who contribute to the vibrant sporting landscape of Lanzarote.
Honoring a Sporting Legend: Aroa Merino
The VII Gala del Deporte will also bestow the prestigious “Leyenda Deportiva” award upon Aroa Merino,a remarkable athlete who has excelled in both triathlon and athletics.
Beginning her triathlon journey at the age of 22, Merino participated in multiple Ironman events in Lanzarote, culminating in two World Championship appearances in Hawaii. After completing ten Ironman distance races, she transitioned her focus to athletics, demonstrating her versatility and unwavering commitment to pushing her physical limits.
Champions of Lanzarote: Celebrating Sporting Excellence and Heritage
Lanzarote boasts a rich sporting history, nurtured by dedicated individuals who have not only excelled in their chosen fields but also inspired generations. This year’s awards ceremony shines a light on these remarkable figures,recognizing their contributions to the island’s sporting legacy.
Athletic Prowess: A Legacy of Dedication
One such individual is a shining example of athletic dedication. This athlete’s journey began in the world of athletics, where they quickly rose through the ranks, becoming a prominent figure in the Canary Islands. Their remarkable performances in various competitions led to numerous victories, including several Canary Island Championships and notable placements in national marathons and 10km races.
Shaping Young Minds: The Enduring Impact of Tomás Quesada
For over four decades, Tomás quesada has been a pillar of the Lanzarote sporting community. After arriving in southern Lanzarote and competing in local wrestling clubs, Quesada discovered his true calling: mentoring young wrestlers.
Beyond imparting technical skills, Quesada instilled invaluable life lessons in thousands of young athletes. His emphasis on education, hard work, and sacrifice has shaped countless individuals, propelling some to become top wrestlers in the Canary Islands. His dedication was recognized in 1999 when he received the prestigious “Best Canary Islands Youth Advancement” award.
Making Waves: Club Natación Nadamás
Club Natación Nadamás has made significant strides in promoting swimming excellence on the island.With a roster of approximately 40 swimmers across various age groups, the club has fostered a thriving environment for young athletes.
Their commitment to competitive swimming has yielded impressive results, with Nadamás swimmers consistently performing at a high level in both national and regional competitions. notable achievements include participation in prestigious events such as the National championship in Barcelona, the National Junior Championship in Sabadell, and the National Open Water championship in Seville.
Preserving History: Guillermo González Raviña’s “Dongui”
Guillermo González Raviña, a former teacher and multi-sport coach, has dedicated years to chronicling Lanzarote’s sporting heritage. His monumental work, “Dongui,” is a testament to his passion. This 500-page book, featuring over 1,000 images and numerous historical accounts, offers a comprehensive look at the island’s sporting evolution.
Honoring Tradition: Emilio Tavío and the Legacy of Conejera Fishing
Emilio Tavío’s life was inextricably linked to the fishing traditions of Lanzarote. As a skilled fisherman from Arrecife, he possessed an intimate knowledge of the coastline, its islets, and the treacherous shallows that had to be navigated during low tide. Tavío’s expertise was invaluable to the arrecife fishing community, and he played a crucial role in preserving the unique traditions of Conejera fishing.
Lanzarote Celebrates Sporting Excellence at the VII Gala del Deporte
Lanzarote’s commitment to fostering a vibrant sporting culture was on full display at the recent VII Gala del Deporte. The event, wich recognizes outstanding achievements in the island’s athletic community, highlighted the dedication and talent of athletes, organizers, and supporters alike.### A Legacy of sporting Spirit: The IES Yaiza Triathlon
One of the evening’s highlights was the recognition of the IES Yaiza Triathlon, a cornerstone of lanzarote’s sporting calendar for the past 25 years. This annual event, drawing over 900 participants from across Lanzarote, Fuerteventura, and Tenerife, showcases the island’s commitment to youth sports. The triathlon, comprising an 800-meter open water swim, a 1.2-kilometer run, and a 3.5-kilometer cycling leg, provides a challenging and rewarding experience for young athletes while promoting a healthy and active lifestyle.
### National Recognition for badminton Excellence
The VII Gala del Deporte also celebrated Lanzarote’s role in hosting national sporting events.The island welcomed the Campeonato de España SUB-23 Bádminton in November, bringing together the nation’s top badminton talent. This prestigious tournament, organized by the Federación Española de Bádminton and the club de Bádminton Auria, further solidified Lanzarote’s reputation as a hub for competitive sports.
### Honoring Dedication and Inspiration
Beyond recognizing specific events, the gala also paid tribute to individuals who have made significant contributions to Lanzarote’s sporting landscape. José Antonio Valido, a long-standing delegate for the Federación Interinsular de Fútbol de Las Palmas in Lanzarote, received a special mention for his tireless work in promoting football on the island. Similarly, Natalia García, a former player for CD Magec Tías and a role model for aspiring athletes, was honored for her dedication and achievements in the sport.
Lanzarote’s Sporting Heart Beats Strong: A Look at the VII Gala del Deporte
The vibrant island of Lanzarote, known for its stunning natural beauty, also boasts a rich tapestry of sporting talent and unwavering dedication.This will be on full display at the upcoming VII Gala del Deporte, a party of athletic accomplishment and community spirit. Taking place on February 17th at the breathtaking Jameos del Agua, the gala promises an unforgettable evening dedicated to recognizing the island’s finest athletes and contributors to its sporting legacy.
Councillor Juan Monzón, thedriving force behind this prestigious event, stressed the commitment of his team to crafting an evening worthy of Lanzarote’s remarkable talent.
“This gala is a testament to the unwavering commitment, passion, and dedication of our athletes,” he stated. “We are incredibly proud to showcase their achievements and inspire future generations.”
A Showcase of Excellence: Individual and Collective Triumphs
The gala will spotlight both individual brilliance and the strength of collective endeavors.
A panel of esteemed judges has carefully selected nominees across numerous categories.
On the individual front, the nominees represent a diverse range of sporting disciplines, highlighting the island’s multi-faceted athletic talent:
Male: Surfing World Champion Dylan Donnegan, Olympic gymnast Rayderley Zapata, and accomplished regatta sailor Alonso Pérez.
Female: Rising Karate star Amelie skiba, national team footballer Carolina Bravo, and World Champion Pole Dancer Diana López.
The collective categories showcase the power of teamwork and shared ambition:
Male: The regatta duo Alfredo González and Cristian Sánchez, Unión Sur Yaiza (achieving historic promotion to Segunda RFEF), and CB San José Obrero (climbing to División de Honor Plata).
Female: CD Orientación Marítima (securing promotion to Segunda RFEF Femenina), Club Balonmano Puerto del Carmen (triumphant in División de Honor Oro), and Club Deportivo Isla de Lanzarote’s gymnastics team (medal winners at the Island games).
Beyond the remarkable athletic feats,Councillor Monzón emphasized the importance of acknowledging the wider sporting community:
“While we celebrate the remarkable achievements of our nominees,we extend our congratulations to all who contribute to the flourishing sporting landscape of Lanzarote. From grassroots initiatives to dedicated coaches,every individual plays a crucial role in nurturing talent and fostering a love for sport.”
Honoring a Legend: Aroa merino’s Remarkable Journey
This year’s gala holds a special importance as it will bestow the prestigious “Leyenda Deportiva” award upon Aroa Merino. Her exceptional athletic journey, spanning both triathlon and athletics, embodies the spirit of dedication and perseverance that defines Lanzarote’s sporting character.
From competing in multiple Ironman triathlons in Lanzarote to representing the island at the World Championships in Hawaii, Merino’s triathlon career is a testament to her unwavering commitment. Her subsequent transition to athletics further highlights her versatility and drive to push beyond perceived limitations.
The Enduring Legacy: Celebrating Lanzarote’s Sporting Heritage
The VII Gala del Deporte is more than just a night of celebration; it’s a powerful reminder of Lanzarote’s enduring sporting legacy. Stories of dedication and triumph echo through the generations, inspiring future generations to strive for excellence. This year’s ceremony will not only honor the present heroes but also pay tribute to individuals who have shaped Lanzarote’s sporting identity.
Athletes like the unnamed rising star, whose meteoric ascension through the ranks of athletics has earned him numerous victories across the Canary Islands, stand as beacons of inspiration.Their unwavering dedication serves as a model for young athletes carving their own path.
Along with individual triumphs, community figures like Tomás Quesada, a pillar of Lanzarote’s wrestling community for over four decades, showcase the crucial role mentors play in nurturing talent.Beyond technical skills, Quesada instilled invaluable life lessons in young wrestlers, shaping countless individuals and ensuring the continued strength of wrestling on the island.
institutions like Club Natación Nadamás demonstrate the power of collective effort and the importance of providing a platform for young athletes to thrive. Through their dedication to competitive swimming, they have propelled Lanzarote onto the national stage, their swimmers consistently performing at a high level in prestigious competitions across Spain.
The VII Gala del Deporte promises to be a powerful testament to Lanzarote’s enduring sporting spirit. It’s a celebration of individuals, teams, mentors, and institutions who, through their dedication, passion, and unwavering belief in the power of sport, have shaped the island’s remarkable athletic legacy.
