74-year-old student from Las Palmas receives European recognition for her surf photo

Teresa Alonso's image, captured at Las Canteras beach, has been selected by EUROPE DIRECT CANARIAS for an initiative on sports and healthy living.

Generic image of an older woman surfing on a sunny beach, with traditional architecture in the background.
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Generic image of an older woman surfing on a sunny beach, with traditional architecture in the background.

A surf photograph taken by Teresa Alonso, a 74-year-old student at the Popular University Juan Rodríguez Doreste of the Las Palmas de Gran Canaria City Council, has been selected for a European initiative linked to the European Week of Sport.

The image, captured at Las Canteras beach, highlights the city's connection with the sea and sports activities. It was chosen by EUROPE DIRECT CANARIAS, an official information service about the European Union, as part of a campaign to promote physical activity, combat sedentary lifestyles, and encourage healthy habits, while also showcasing women's participation in sports.
The Councilor for Education, Nina Santana, emphasized Teresa Alonso's story as proof that "it's never too late to learn, discover new hobbies, and develop our abilities." She highlighted that the selection of the photograph "values the work carried out in our municipal workshops, which not only offer training but are also spaces for meeting, coexistence, and participation."
Teresa Alonso, after retiring, received a camera and began her photography training three years ago at the municipal center in Guanarteme. She has participated in workshops on Introduction to Digital Photography and Black and White Development. "I had never taken a photograph in my life. [...] The teachers are fantastic," she stated.
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"I love the sea in all its aspects and especially photographing surfers. I sit on Las Canteras beach and spend time taking pictures."

Teresa Alonso · Student
The selection of her image came as a surprise to Alonso, who considers photography a hobby and does not seek recognition. "I didn't expect them to select my photograph. For me, this is a hobby and I'm not looking to win anything, but it has brought me a lot of joy. I think my children are even more excited than I am," she said.
Beyond technical learning, Alonso highlighted the importance of the Popular University in her daily life, especially for the personal relationships she has established over the years. "The Popular University has helped me connect with other people, and that's what I like most," she assured. The initiative also underscores the work developed in the photography workshops of the Popular University of Guanarteme and the collaboration with EUROPE DIRECT CANARIAS.
Based on information from the official source: Ayuntamiento de Las Palmas de Gran Canaria (09/11/2026)