The third edition of the event, promoted by the Canary Islands Government's Ministry of Education, Vocational Training, Physical Activity and Sports and organized by the Cabildo of Gran Canaria through Infecar, has transformed the Plaza de la Música into a major meeting point for sports practice, featuring over 400 activities and 50 disciplines.
The presence of the educational community has been a significant highlight, with 46 buses facilitating student transport for activities such as climbing, badminton, mini-tennis, and traditional Canarian sports, promoting healthy lifestyle habits from an early age.
The second day included the debut of the national hyatlón competition, inclusive sports activities, a focus on motorsport, and events for the elderly, all within a 34,000 square meter venue.
Hyatlón, a discipline combining running with functional strength and resistance exercises, hosted a national circuit event with 810 registered athletes. José Hidalgo, president of the Spanish Triathlon Federation, praised ExpoDeca's consolidation as a national sports benchmark.
Motorsport played a prominent role with the presentation of the new livery for the Rally Islas Canarias – Rally de España, which will revert to its traditional blue and yellow colors for the 2027 edition. Spanish driver Dani Sordo sponsored the event, alongside councilor Poli Suárez, Gran Canaria Island Council's Sports Councilor Aridany Romero, and promoter Germán Morales. The rally is scheduled from May 6th to 9th, 2027.
Motorsport activities also featured autograph sessions with drivers like Pedro Peñate and Rafael Lesmes, the launch of Pablo Suárez's driving school, and exhibitions on the Rally Islas de los Volcanes and the Eco Rally Canarias. Miguel Ángel Domínguez, president of the Canary Islands Automobile Federation, highlighted the growing presence of motorsport at ExpoDeca.
Spanish sports figures including Olympic gymnast Ray Zapata, former UD Las Palmas star Jonathan Viera, and two-time marathon world champion Abel Antón visited the fair. Antón also served as patron for Pasos por la Vida, a symbolic walk promoting physical activity for health.
Inclusive sports were showcased through the SUMA project by Club Baloncesto Gran Canaria and the Las Palmas i+i project from the UD Las Palmas Foundation, fostering participation for individuals with disabilities. Javi Choren, director of SUMA, noted the program's eight-year trajectory.
Elderly participants engaged in Neurolimpiadas, a competition combining physical and mental challenges. Teams from Telde, Moya, San Bartolomé de Tirajana, Agüimes, and Santa María de Guía competed, promoting active aging. Besay Rodríguez from the Neurolimpic Association emphasized ExpoDeca's visibility for seniors.
The docuseries Historias del Deporte Canario (Stories of Canarian Sport), produced by the Canary Islands Government, was presented. It covers disciplines like Canarian stick fighting, Canarian wrestling, sailing, football, and diving. Director Carlos Pérez aims to showcase the human side of the protagonists.
The Canary Islands Sports Council held a meeting chaired by Poli Suárez, with representatives from public administrations, universities, and federations, to discuss sports planning and management in the Canary Islands. Noemí Rodríguez of ACAGEDE stressed the importance of such sector-wide dialogues.
ExpoDeca 2026 continues until Sunday, November 15th, with free admission. Sponsors include Centro Comercial Las Arenas, Fundación DISA, Provital, Fred. Olsen, Binter, Tirma, Firgas, Ahembo, Ybarra, Citroën, and Gofio La Piña.
