Yaiza hosts three events of national importance this week: the 'I Spanish Inclusive Photography Championship', the '35th Spanish Underwater Photography Championship' and the '24th Spanish Underwater Video Championship', which not only focus on the "spectacular nature of the seabed of southern Lanzarote" and other points of the Island as a form of tourism promotion, but also give "greater visibility to inclusive sport" with the premiere in Yaiza of the national inclusive photography championship.
At the presentation of the events held this Monday in Puerto Calero, Óscar Noda, argued that "what we want with these championships is to encourage people who have some type of functional diversity to try, immerse themselves and enjoy a sport that has to be open to everyone." "Last year we had a first experience with the 'Inclusive Cup'" and it was really "fruitful and exciting".
Nine divers from five autonomous communities participate in the inclusive test, although the real participation is 40 people adding the professionals from the support teams that accompany the athletes at all times in all their dives. Also present at the event were the Councilor for the Environment of Yaiza, Águeda Cedrés, and the Councilor for Sports, Ángel Lago, two of the municipal areas committed to this initiative, as well as the councilors Karina Centeno, Daniel Medina and Beatriz Vázquez. The representation of Puerto Calero fell to Alejandro Betancor, manager of the marina, a collaborating entity, as is Marina Rubicón.
Rafael Fernández, head of the Image Department of the Spanish Federation of Underwater Activities (FEDAS), reported that "14 Spanish federations with 44 athletes" participate in the Photography Championship, while in the Video Championship there are "8 federations with 26 athletes". The expert jury will issue a verdict on Friday on the videos and on Saturday will judge the photos that will determine the classifications and with them the champions and runners-up of Spain.
"We have selected four dive sites in Lanzarote where athletes rotate to capture their images. They present a collection of six photos and in video there are two categories, a one-minute video without editing and another of four minutes with editing where a story is told," said the FEDAS manager.
Óscar Noda stressed that "the seabed of Yaiza deserves it and is one of the most demanded, so we have to bet strongly from the City Council for this type of activities, and with greater reason if they have an inclusive component", an opinion endorsed by Francisco Martín, head of Inclusion of the Federation, who also elaborated on the "sport for everyone". The different winners will be announced on Saturday, September 16 at the gala to be held in Puerto Calero at 9:00 p.m.
Environmental awareness
Yaiza also invites on Saturday, September 16 to the 'Diverse Diving for All' Festival with recreational activities that carry messages about the care of beaches, the seabed and the entire natural environment. Beach cleaning, diving baptisms, kayak rides, inclusive baptisms and several workshops to learn while having fun are organized. Prior registration is required in the official email address.
