Canary Islands Launch Inclusive Wrestling League Following Successful Rehabilitation Program
The "Brega sin Fronteras" project in Tenerife is promoting social integration and physical rehabilitation through an inclusive Canarian wrestling program for individuals with disabilities, paving the way for a new inclusive league this October.
A recent sports day at the Fundación Hospitalarias in Geneto, La Laguna, has marked a major milestone for traditional sports in the Canary Islands. The event showcased more than just wrestling techniques; it served as a powerful tool for social integration, bringing together mixed teams of people with intellectual disabilities and acquired brain injuries.
The competition, which featured athletes from Fundación Hospitalarias and the Atelsam association, is part of the "Brega sin Fronteras" (Wrestling Without Borders) project. This initiative, launched in early 2026 through a partnership between the foundation and the El Calvario Wrestling Club of El Sauzal, provides participants with professional training from island wrestling experts like Iván Martín and Sergio Hernández. The program also receives institutional support from Sinpromi and features appearances by star wrestlers like Ayoze Reyes.
Beyond the event's symbolic importance, the sport offers real therapeutic benefits. The Fundación Hospitalarias notes that training on sand improves proprioception and balance, which are vital for the physical rehabilitation of those with brain injuries. Additionally, practicing wrestling techniques helps build muscle strength and coordination, making the sport a valuable tool for overall well-being.
Following the success of this event, the Tenerife Canarian Wrestling Federation plans to launch an Inclusive League this October. This move aims to build on a model that has already proven effective in fostering camaraderie and personal growth. The experience on the makeshift wrestling ring in Geneto—named "Acamán" for the day—demonstrates that inclusive sports are a powerful driver for both physical and emotional development, turning a traditional practice into a space for everyone to thrive.