The event, held at the Emilio Machín de León Municipal Arena in Uga, also featured the unveiling of two murals by artist Iván Témpera. These artworks aim to preserve the memory of Joaquín Rodríguez ‘Pollo de Uga’, considered a legend of the sport in the Canary Islands, and Emilio Machín de León, founding president of the Club Unión Sur Yaiza in 1990.
One mural depicts ‘Pollo de Uga’ alongside Emilio Machín de León. The second artwork visually represents the evolution of Canarian wrestling in Yaiza and the sporting development in Playa Blanca, linked to the training efforts promoted by Tomás Quesada.
The unveiling of the murals was attended by the mayor of Yaiza, Óscar Noda, and the Councilor for Sports, Ángel Lago, accompanied by family members of the honorees and figures from the Canarian wrestling scene.
A legend of the Canary Islands
Mayor Óscar Noda described Joaquín Rodríguez as 'a legend of the Canary Islands,' highlighting his influence on new generations and noting that he already has a sculpture in Uga's main square. Regarding Emilio Machín de León, he emphasized his role in consolidating the Club Unión Sur Yaiza and his efforts to attract prominent regional wrestlers to Lanzarote.
The Councilor for Sports, Ángel Lago, stressed the importance of Canarian wrestling as an element of cultural and sporting identity, reaffirming the municipal commitment to the sports school and the continuation of the new tournament.
In the sporting aspect, the Tenerife club Llano del Moro won the inaugural tournament, defeating Unión Sur Yaiza 11-12. The event also recognized the talent of young wrestlers such as Yuri Afonso (child category), Arturo Puente (cadet), and Echedey Acuña (youth), with Erik Siu receiving the award for the most spectacular bout.
The Fan Trophy was presented to Pelegrina Lemes for her consistent support of Unión Sur Yaiza, also acknowledging the involvement of her husband, Juan Reyes.
