The experienced swimmer from San Sebastian, Jaime Caballero, managed to finish this Thursday the swimming challenge between Fuerteventura and Lanzarote to raise awareness for those affected by Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis (ALS) and their families. The challenge, promoted by the association 'TeidEla' in collaboration with the Ministry of Health of the Government of the Canary Islands, was completed by Caballero in "just over four hours", as he left Playa Vista Lobos (Corralejo) at 09.30 hours and arrived at Playa Dorada (Yaiza) around 13.45 hours.
Although the journey had some difficulties due to marine currents, Caballero still arrived with strength in Lanzarote to thank the support of the bathers, and ask for more research for the disease, as well as more institutional support. At the exit in Playa Vista de Lobos, in Fuerteventura, the swimmer was supported by the Minister of Social Action of the Cabildo of Fuerteventura, Víctor Alonso; the Minister of Tourism, Marlene Figueroa; the Councilor for Sports and Youth of the City Council of La Oliva, Gleiber Carreño; and the Councilor for Tourism and Environment of the City Council of La Oliva, David Fajardo.
In Lanzarote, Caballero was received by the Councilor for Sports of the City Council of Yaiza, Ángel Lago; the Councilor for Commerce, Daniel Medina; the president of TeidEla, Marcelino Martín, and other representatives of the association.
During the day, the association 'TeidELA' installed a tent in Playa Dorada, in which it announced the work they do to the bathers and citizens who came to the beach. And the main purpose of this event was "to give voice" to people with Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis (ALS) through this information and visibility campaign, which is part of the project 'Sewing ALS in the Canary Islands'. This association aims to seek improvements in all areas involved in the care of people affected by this disease in the archipelago: research, regulatory, social and health.
Also, 'TeidELA' is carrying out other activities in the autonomous region, such as conducting a simplified study of the reality of ALS in the Canary Islands, as well as informative meetings to promote knowledge and visibility of the disease.