The initiative, part of the AlGolpito project, took place at the Miraflores Sports City and was attended by prominent institutional figures. These included the regional Minister of Social Welfare, Candelaria Delgado; the Minister of Social Action of the Cabildo de La Palma, Ángeles Nieves Fernández; the mayor of Santa Cruz de La Palma, Asier Antona; and the project director of the CD Tenerife Foundation, Artamy Rodríguez.
The event brought together teams from the Senior Day Centers of La Palma, Icod de los Vinos, Güímar, and Isidro Rodríguez Castro (Santa Cruz de Tenerife), highlighting the inter-island participation in this adapted sports modality.
“"We continue to promote active aging through AlGolpito, which encourages physical activity for older people throughout the Canary Islands, and in this case, we are doing it in La Palma. AlGolpito has been very well received in day centers with almost 500 participants, and our goal is to extend it to municipalities and senior associations in the Archipelago to promote active aging, intergenerational solidarity, and foster a playful approach to the elderly population of the Canary Islands through football and physical activity."
The AlGolpito project, funded by the Government of Canarias and jointly developed by the foundations of Unión Deportiva Las Palmas and Club Deportivo Tenerife, focuses on two fundamental pillars: promoting active aging through football and improving the social image of old age, as well as intergenerational solidarity.
This initiative is part of the Maresía plan, which brings together various activities and programs aimed at promoting active aging, social participation, innovation, and the protection of the rights of older people in the Canary Islands. Walking football not only provides physical benefits but also social and psychological ones, with the support of sports foundations as key allies.
“"The Government of Canarias is marking a before and after with this type of action that helps prevent dependency and generate greater autonomy."
Through the General Directorate for Seniors and Active Participation of the Government of Canarias, AlGolpito has enabled the creation of walking football teams in 24 senior centers. This adapted sports modality promotes physical activity, active aging, socialization, and healthy lifestyle habits, aligning with the social and sporting commitment of both Canarian clubs.
