The Cabildo of La Gomera recognised the island's most outstanding athletes this weekend at the III Sports Gala, with Marco Rodríguez and Estela Guerra as the top individuals.
The III Sports Gala of La Gomera, organised by the island's Cabildo, has highlighted the talent and effort of the island's athletes. At a ceremony held this weekend, Marco Rodríguez was awarded Best Male Individual Athlete, while Estela Guerra received the award in the female category. The event, which aims to promote grassroots sports and the external projection of La Gomera, also recognised clubs and entities that encourage physical activity in the six municipalities.
Recognition of effort and perseverance
Marco Rodríguez, a specialist in trail running, vertical kilometre and skyrunning, embodies, according to the president of the Cabildo, Casimiro Curbelo, "the perseverance and strength necessary to excel in mountain disciplines." The athlete, who frequently competes outside the island, has achieved several podium finishes in national competitions in recent months. For her part, Estela Guerra, who practices athletics, represents "the determination and unstoppable progress of women's sports," as highlighted by Curbelo during the gala.
The Club Colombófilo Gomera was recognised as the Best Sports Collective, a decision that underscores the importance of preserving traditions such as pigeon racing, which is deeply rooted on the island. Sebastián Castilla, a veteran of island volleyball, received the award as Sports Reference for his career and his training work with new generations.
Honourable mentions reflecting grassroots sports
The honourable mentions spanned the municipalities of La Gomera. Álvaro Escuela, from Agulo, was recognised for his talent in athletics; Silvia Noguera, from Alajeró, for her leadership at the helm of the Club Deportivo Aguleme Drago; and the Club Deportivo Hermifutsa from Hermigua, for turning a local project into an island reference. Francisco José Castilla Arteaga, from San Sebastián de La Gomera, has brought sports ornithology to national and international competitions, while the Club Deportivo Valle Gran Rey has trained generations of young people for decades. Edgar Magdalena, from Vallehermoso, was highlighted for his career in cycling.
Behind each recognition, according to the Cabildo, there exists a network of families, coaches, clubs, managers, referees, and volunteers. "No one gets there alone," stated Curbelo, who emphasised that this human network constitutes one of the greatest social assets of La Gomera. The president insisted that institutions must continue to strengthen grassroots sports, women's sports, and adapted sports, as well as the infrastructure and support for island representatives.
Investment in sports as investment in health and education
Curbelo, who signed an opinion piece after the gala, argued that "investing in sports is investing in education and health, inclusion." The Cabildo of La Gomera plans to increase the budget for sports grants in 2026, according to sources from the institution, to facilitate athletes' travel and improve facilities. For the residents of La Gomera, this means that young talents will have more opportunities to compete outside without the cost being a barrier.
"Medals pass and records are eventually broken. The example, however, remains," concluded Curbelo. The gala, held in San Sebastián de La Gomera, left a clear message: Gomera sports not only competes but also inspires an entire island.
You may also like
