The Canary Association of Sports Managers (ACAGEDE) kicked off its IX Congress themed «Digital Transformation: From Knowledge to Action», concentrating on the role of artificial intelligence and innovation in sports management. The event highlights digitalization as an opportunity to optimize processes, improve decision-making, and offer more efficient and personalized sports services.
The inauguration was attended by institutional figures including the Minister of Education, Vocational Training, Physical Activity and Sports of the Government of the Canary Islands, Poli Suárez; the Director General of Physical Activity and Sports, María Rojas; the Minister of Sports of the Tenerife Island Council, Yolanda Moliné; the Councilor for Sports of the Santa Cruz de Tenerife City Council, Alicia Cebrián; and the president of ACAGEDE, Noemí Rodríguez.
Practical applications of artificial intelligence in public administration were analyzed, with experiences shared by Samuel González (Sports Service of the Tenerife Island Council) and Sandra García (CEO of Dekalabs), on how to optimize the management of calls for applications and sports grants.
The congress also addressed the digital evolution of the sector through the Canary Sports Observatory, presented by its coordinator, Alejandro Serrano, who emphasized the value of data and AI in understanding the sports reality in the Canary Islands. Maite Covisa Rubia, from the Government of the Canary Islands, highlighted collective intelligence and innovation in public services.
Miguel Burgos Gil, from the University of Granada, presented the transition from traditional sports management to technological models that enhance user relationships and promote healthy habits. A debate panel analyzed the obstacles to incorporating technology and innovation in Canarian sports, with participation from José Hernández (Cluster of the Sports Industry of the Canary Islands), Sabino Maestro (Santa Cruz de Tenerife City Council), and Sergio Gregorio (Tenerife Island Council), moderated by Begoña López (University of La Laguna).
The event included a practical workshop on «Practical AI for Sports Management» led by Juanma Murúa, and concluded with the presentation of the VIII Awards for Sports Management in the Canary Islands. These awards recognized B-GRAFFOS INTERNACIONAL, S.L. (Innovation), the Tenerife Island Council (Dissemination and Communication), Woman Wellness (Health and Sports), Gran Canaria Arena (Sustainability), the SUMA Project of CB Gran Canaria (Education and Sports), CD CFS Los Álamos-El Pino (Sports Associationism), and the Tenerife Insular Center for Aquatic Sports Project (CDAT) (Architecture and Design, Applied Engineering, Maintenance and Conservation).
The ACAGEDE Honorary Award 2026 was presented to Patricio Viyaño García, Director General of Unión Deportiva Las Palmas, for his career. The second day of the congress continues today with new sessions and the option to follow it via streaming.
