The Cabildo of Lanzarote successfully celebrated this Sunday the first edition of the Senior Gala of Lanzarote and La Graciosa, a historic event that brought together hundreds of seniors, their families, representatives of associations and social groups of the island at the Farmer's Monument.
This gala, promoted by the Senior and Intergenerational Relations Area of the Cabildo of Lanzarote, seeks to recognize the work and dedication of those people and entities that have contributed to the well-being and inclusion of the elderly community. During the event, the Awards in the Field of Senior Citizens of Lanzarote and La Graciosa were presented, recognizing outstanding people and projects at the island level.
In his speech, the president of the Cabildo, Oswaldo Betancort, expressed his gratitude to the elderly for their invaluable contribution to the development of the island and stressed the institution's commitment to continue promoting initiatives in favor of their well-being.
“Today, with this gala, we want to pay them the tribute they deserve and reaffirm our commitment to build a more inclusive Lanzarote, where our seniors can live with dignity, health and happiness. They are the memory and heart of our community, and their legacy drives us to move forward,” said Betancort.
The president assured during his speech that, “events like this represent the commitment of the Cabildo of Lanzarote to the elderly community, in a commitment to recognize their contribution and provide them with tools for active and healthy aging, and reaffirm the will of this new Government group to become a benchmark in the Canary Islands for welfare and dignity policies for the elderly, making their needs visible and celebrating their contributions to the community.”
For her part, the Councilor of the Senior Area, Nori Machín, highlighted the value of this event and the importance of maintaining close and constant contact with the elderly community. “This gala is a sign of our respect and gratitude to those who have dedicated their lives to building this island. It fills us with pride to recognize each of the award winners and see how associations and groups continue to work with love and dedication in favor of our seniors,” said Machín, who reaffirmed the Area's commitment to continue listening to and addressing the needs of seniors in Lanzarote and La Graciosa.
The gala was enlivened by the voice of the Lanzarote singer Almudena Hernández, accompanied by the musicians Adrián Pérez (guitar) and José Vicente Peréz (timple), who dedicated the song “Te lo pido por favor” by Juan Gabriel to the seniors, as well as “Oye mar” by Dulce Ponte, and “Garganta con arena” by Cacho Castaña.
Winners of the I Senior Gala 2024
In this first edition - in which public representatives from all the municipalities of the island, as well as from the Government of the Canary Islands, were present - the Cabildo of Lanzarote presented the following awards:
- Senior of the Year: Olga Francisca Retto Sánchez, in recognition of her community commitment and solidarity spirit.
- Senior Group or Association: AFA Lanzarote, for its support and care for people with dementia, being a benchmark on the island since 1995.
- Best Active Aging Project: "We Stay Active", from the Flora Acoge Canary Foundation.
- Caregiver of the Year: Caridad Cejas Machín, for her unconditional dedication and her life dedicated to family care.
- Best Senior Care Center: Insular Hospital of Lanzarote, for its excellence and commitment to geriatric care.
- Professional of the Year: Dr. Domingo de Guzmán Pérez Hernández, for his contribution to the development of geriatric care on the island.
- Intergenerational Project: "I Play and Learn" of the Insular Hospital, an exchange initiative between young and old people that promotes socialization and respect between generations.
- Solidarity Award: Benedicta Caraballo Medina, in recognition of her volunteer work and support for vulnerable groups.
- Inclusivity Award: Also awarded to "We Stay Active" of the Flora Acoge Canary Foundation, for its commitment to the full inclusion of the elderly in society.
