The Government of the Canary Islands, through the Ministry of Social Welfare, Equality, Youth, Childhood and Families, and the CD Tenerife Foundation have formalized the adhesion of 16 senior teams to the 'AlGolpito' project. This initiative, part of the Maresía Plan by the Directorate General for Seniors and Active Participation, aims to promote physical activity and socialization among those over 60 in the province of Santa Cruz de Tenerife.
The signing ceremony was attended by Minister Candelaria Delgado, Director General Verónica Meseguer, and the representative of the CD Tenerife Foundation, Sheila Trujillo. Representatives from various Senior and Active Participation Centers of the Government of the Canary Islands, as well as senior associations from different islands such as Tenerife, La Palma, El Hierro, and La Gomera, were present.
Candelaria Delgado highlighted the consolidation of the project, which has evolved from a pilot test to include 16 teams and over 600 participants. She emphasized the collaboration with the foundations of CD Tenerife and UD Las Palmas to leverage the social potential of football in the field of active aging, acknowledging the crucial role of the participants.
The minister stressed the goal of expanding 'AlGolpito' to reach more people and teams, demonstrating the many ways to age actively and remain engaged in the community. She recalled the Government of the Canary Islands' commitment to creating opportunities for seniors across all islands.
Verónica Meseguer explained that 'AlGolpito' aligns with the Government of the Canary Islands' vision of active aging through the Maresía Plan. She emphasized that beyond football itself, the surrounding elements—camaraderie, conversation, and team belonging—are crucial for active participation.
Meseguer added that the Maresía Plan views seniors based on their capabilities, not limitations, and that 'AlGolpito's' growth fosters a sense of belonging and community, which is vital for a senior policy focused on their presence, voice, and participation.
Sheila Trujillo, representing the CD Tenerife Foundation, expressed pride in contributing to initiatives that promote sports and allow seniors to enjoy and share experiences, calling it an investment in improving society.
The 'AlGolpito' project, funded by the Directorate General for Seniors of the Government of the Canary Islands, aims to promote active aging, intergenerational solidarity, and a playful approach to football and physical activity for those over 60. It is developed by the CD Tenerife Foundation in Santa Cruz de Tenerife and the UD Las Palmas Foundation in the province of Las Palmas, seeking to prevent illnesses and enhance socialization and emotional well-being.
The initiative seeks to use football's influence to shift public perception of seniors and aging, and to encourage interest in the active aging programs offered by the Government of the Canary Islands. Following a successful pilot project last year, participation has nearly quadrupled to over 600 people, with a high female participation rate (75%) and marking the first sports experience for many participants.
