Casimiro Curbelo
The celebration of the III Sports Gala has allowed us to publicly recognize those who, with effort, talent and commitment, contribute to enhancing the name of La Gomera. It has also given us an opportunity to reflect on the role of sport in our society and the collective responsibility to continue supporting it.
Sport is a school of life in which we learn to live together, work as a team, respect the rules and understand that no important objective is achieved without perseverance. It teaches us to accept defeat with serenity, assume success with humility and get up after each difficulty.
On an island like ours, these values take on a special dimension. Gomero athletes face travel between municipalities, trips outside the island and an added effort to balance training, studies, work and family life. Far from becoming a barrier, these circumstances reinforce their ability to excel, discipline and commitment.
The gala has put a face to that reality. Marco Rodríguez, recognized as Best Male Individual Athlete, symbolizes the perseverance and strength necessary to excel in disciplines such as trail running, vertical kilometer and skyrunning. Estela Guerra, Best Female Individual Athlete, represents determination, the external projection of our island and the unstoppable advancement of women's sports.
The Colombófilo Gomera Club, distinguished as Best Sports Collective, demonstrates that preserving a deeply rooted tradition is also a way forward. Sebastián Castilla, recognized as a Sports Reference, embodies not only the excellence achieved in volleyball, but also the generosity of sharing his experience and training those who come after him.
The honorable mentions also reflect that Gomero sport is built in each town. Álvaro Escuela represents, from Agulo, talent accompanied by perseverance. Silvia Noguera, from Alajeró, is an example of leadership and commitment at the head of the Aguleme Drago Sports Club. The Hermifutsa Sports Club of Hermigua, credits the ability to turn a local project into an island reference.
Francisco José Castilla Arteaga, from San Sebastián de La Gomera, has taken Gomera sports ornithology to national and international competitions. The Valle Gran Rey Sports Club has trained generations of young people for decades and has established itself as a school. Edgar Magdalena, from Vallehermoso, expresses sacrifice, discipline and the ability to excel through cycling.
All of them are references because their achievements transcend a classification. When an athlete from La Gomera competes outside the island, he represents all of La Gomera and projects a way of understanding effort, belonging and perseverance. Their trajectories show our children and young people that talent needs work and that true success also consists of inspiring.
Behind each recognition there are families, coaches, clubs, managers, referees, volunteers, public workers, federations and collaborating entities. Nobody arrives alone. This human network, often silent, constitutes one of our greatest social assets.
From the institutions we must continue to strengthen grassroots sports, women's and adapted sports, infrastructure and support for those who represent the island. Investing in sports is investing in education and health, inclusion.
Medals pass and records end up being surpassed. The example, however, remains. That is the greatest legacy of our athletes and one of the best expressions of the island that we want to continue building: a united island, proud of its values and capable of recognizing their efforts.
