The Vice-Minister of Physical Activity and Sport of the Government of the Canary Islands, Ángel Sabroso, along with other officials including the Director General of Indigenous Sports, Lorena Hernández; the President of the Canarian Wrestling Federation, Francisco Rivero; and the Consul of the Republic of Korea in the Canary Islands, Koh Moon-Hee, welcomed the Korean traditional wrestling delegation of ssireum. The visit is part of a traditional sports encounter between the Canary Islands and the Republic of Korea.
During the event, held at Las Canteras beach, the President of the European Association of Traditional Games and Sports (AEJeST), Pere Lavega-Burgués, was also present. The organization is holding a meeting in the Gran Canarian capital this weekend. Gifts were presented to representatives of both the visiting Asian delegation and the European organization.
This institutional reception served as a prelude to the historic challenge scheduled for Saturday on the sands of Las Canteras. Representatives of Canarian wrestling and the ssireum from the Republic of Korea will compete in an unprecedented format. The event aims to highlight the similarities and particularities of both disciplines, emphasizing shared values such as respect, tradition, and cultural exchange.
The venue chosen for the encounter, opposite the Saulo Torón square, will allow the public to closely observe both disciplines. The day also facilitated the Korean delegation's first contact with the competition area. Wrestlers were able to conduct a final training and adaptation session after their long journey, and offered a preview exhibition to the numerous citizens and visitors present before the main event.
