The Cabildo of Lanzarote and La Graciosa presented this morning 'Tinajo for All', a revolutionary project that places Canarian wrestling at the forefront of integration by creating the first inclusive team in the province for this traditional sport.
The president of the Cabildo of Lanzarote, Oswaldo Betancort, highlighted the profound social impact of this milestone by stating that “Canarian wrestling is a historical benchmark of nobility and respect, and today we demonstrate that it is also the best vehicle for the real inclusion of all people”. “This initiative makes visible how our vernacular sport can be transformed into a common space for coexistence, where barriers disappear in favor of a more just, equitable, and inclusive society. It is a pioneering project with its own space in our Accessibility and Inclusion Strategy 2024-2030, which also transcends sports: it is a declaration of principles that shows that equal opportunities are defended from the wrestling ring, offering every citizen the space they deserve by right in our society”.
“When we came to the Cabildo, we intended for the institution to respond to the problems of citizens, and especially to the most vulnerable people. And in these three years, little by little, we have managed to have a different reality. Today Adislan contributes a grain of sand to the history of Lanzarote, as does the Tinajo Wrestling Club. Today history is being made in Lanzarote. Three years ago, the Wrestling Federation understood that in addition to promoting Canarian identity, positioning wrestling, and creating employment, we should also promote equality among all people,” added Betancort.
Along the same lines, the Director General of Disability of the Government of the Canary Islands, Dulce Mª Gutiérrez, described the initiative as “pioneering” and emphasized the regional significance of the project, stating that “supporting initiatives like 'Tinajo for All' is a firm step towards real equality in the islands, by demonstrating that our traditions can lead the way in inclusion”. Gutiérrez congratulated the Cabildo of Lanzarote and La Graciosa “for their active policies of inclusion and social welfare”, and the club “for its bravery in breaking down barriers and turning this vernacular sport into an example of universal accessibility for the entire archipelago”.
For his part, the Minister of Social Welfare and Inclusion, Marci Acuña, highlighted the direct impact of the initiative on the well-being of the participants, stating that “the 'Tinajo for All' initiative is the living reflection that our most deeply rooted traditions can, and must, be a motor for social transformation. From the Welfare area, we do not conceive of inclusion as an abstract concept, but as real actions that use the inherent values of Canarian wrestling to break down stereotypes, improve people's physical and emotional health, and build a truly accessible and just island for everyone”.
Meanwhile, the president of the ‘Tinajo Wrestling Club’, Yurena Cubas, assured that the very name of the initiative ‘Tinajo for all’ defines its essence in two words: “without conditions, without barriers”. “Taking on the challenge of being the first inclusive club in the province of Las Palmas and the second in the Canary Islands is a source of pride for the Tinajo Wrestling Club, as it connects directly with the solidarity essence of our people. From the Club, we wish for this team to be an open space where values such as effort, camaraderie, and self-improvement, which inspire Canarian wrestling, serve to empower these athletes, demonstrating that there are no barriers when working as a team”.
The birth of 'Tinajo for All' marks a milestone in the archipelago and paves the way for other traditional disciplines to adopt inclusive models. The Social Welfare and Inclusion Area insists that true community transformation requires brave projects like this, capable of breaking prejudices and demonstrating that sport is a universal right that belongs to all citizens.
The team will begin its training immediately, consolidating itself as a benchmark model at the regional level. All individuals, groups, or families interested in being part of this initiative, either as participants or collaborators, can request information at the facilities of the Tinajo Wrestling Club or through the official channels of the Cabildo's Social Welfare Area.
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