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Historic Inclusive Wrestling Match Breaks Barriers in Tenerife

Fundación Hospitalarias Tenerife and Atelsam star in the first Canarian wrestling encounter between athletes with intellectual disabilities.

Generic image of an inclusive Canarian wrestling match with athletes with disabilities.
IA

Generic image of an inclusive Canarian wrestling match with athletes with disabilities.

The town of Geneto, in La Laguna, was the scene of a historic milestone for Canarian wrestling as the first inclusive match was held between teams from Fundación Hospitalarias Tenerife and Atelsam, bringing together athletes with intellectual disabilities or acquired brain injury.

In an improvised wrestling ring at the facilities of Fundación Hospitalarias Tenerife, a match took place that has gone down in history as the first between athletes with intellectual disabilities or acquired brain injury. The teams from Fundación Hospitalarias Tenerife and Atelsam, the Tinerfeña Association in the Fight for Mental Health, demonstrated strength, camaraderie, and sportsmanship, breaking down barriers.
This pioneering initiative, named 'Brega sin Fronteras' (Wrestling without Borders), was made possible by an agreement signed in January 2026 between the Fundación Hospitalarias and the El Calvario de El Sauzal Club. Iván Martín, the coach of the inclusive team and president of El Calvario, led the project with a group of athletes who showed immense enthusiasm to showcase their abilities.
The athletes from Atelsam, led by Sergio Hernández, also delivered a moving spectacle. Dressed in kits presented by Sinpromi, from the Cabildo de Tenerife, and under the watchful eye of top wrestler Ayoze Reyes, they offered a memorable day. "I didn't hesitate for a minute to come and support them," Reyes proudly stated.
Emotion was palpable before the start. Carmen Álamo, general manager of Fundación Hospitalarias, observed with satisfaction the joy and pride of the participants. "For them, this is a historic milestone. They are euphoric," she commented. The inclusive team's captain, Zeben, expressed the day's significance before leading a rallying cry: "One, two, and three, Acamán!".
The event featured exciting bouts, such as the one between Féliz and Jorge, or Andrea and Alexia in the women's contest. The battle between Zeben and Grigory was particularly intense, culminating in a hug, reflecting the camaraderie that characterized the event. "The first thing they do when they get up is hug their teammate," coach Iván Martín had warned.
Sergio Hernández, visibly moved, shared his learning experience: "I came thinking I was going to teach them to wrestle, and they taught me." The day concluded with applause and the promise from the Tenerife Wrestling Federation to launch the first Inclusive Canarian Wrestling League in October.
From Fundación Hospitalarias, the benefits of physical activity for the participants' physical and emotional well-being are highlighted. Practicing on sand, in particular, improves proprioception, balance, and strengthens muscles, benefiting mobility and motor control, especially for individuals with acquired brain injury.
Iván Martín emphasized the surprising development of the young men, their determination to get back up after a fall, and their camaraderie. "That is the greatest prize we have achieved," he stated, adding that for him, it has been significant personal growth to see them so happy.

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