Regardless of the political issues that he himself slips through like an eel, we must recognize the success of the mayor of Haría, José Torres Stinga, in proposing his colleague from the group of ...
Regardless of the political issues that he himself slips through like an eel, we must recognize the success of the mayor of Haría, José Torres Stinga, in proposing his colleague from the government group, Manuel Santacruz Socas, for the 2006 Canary Islands Award.
If there is anyone in the Archipelago who deserves such distinction, it is "Palenque", as he is known by all those who have been seeing him in the north of the Island for several decades.
Very appropriately, the members of the Youth and Sports Commission of the Island Council of Lanzarote overwhelmingly supported his candidacy, thus reinforcing an honor that the Canarian Government, which is the one that grants the award, cannot and should not deprive him of.
In an entertaining and endearing interview, "Palenque" narrated this Thursday on the Buenos Días Lanzarote program of Radio Lanzarote with the sense of humor that characterizes him his adventures and misadventures in the world of sports. He spoke of his 25 years at the head of the Spanish boxing team, of the six Olympics he has attended, and of the sad memory he kept of one of them, the ones that were held in 1972 in Munich.
There are few boxing lovers - perhaps none - who do not know the trajectory of a man who gave everything for what he defines as "a noble sport", that in which two people shake each other heartily on top of a ring and then hug and go for a beer together to talk about life and love. "Palenque" has been and continues to be a formidable trainer, someone who with supreme intelligence knew how to make true champions, with a working method that has been internationally recognized.
He says that he learned a lot from his trips to Cuba and Russia, from where he obtained the greatest knowledge. He also says, contrary to what many people think, that boxing is not dead, that every time a soiree is organized, the "no tickets" sign is hung. He also says that there is a lot of talent in Spain, with an important contribution from the Canary Islands in general and Lanzarote in particular. He is still an enthusiast, a dreamer, someone who takes advantage of every second of the day.
With the modesty of great men, he says that he does not deserve the award. Precisely for that reason he deserves it. He also assures, and this has been corroborated by José Torres Stinga himself, that if he was not traveling when his mayor made the proposal, he would probably have prevented it.
Let's hope that nothing strange happens and that tribute is paid to this magnificent sportsman and exceptional human being. One of the great sportsmen that the municipality of Haría has given to History.
