Sport's Future Debated at 'The Blue Challenge' in Canaries
Arona Gran Hotel's "The Blue Challenge" discussion event successfully gathered Olympic legends and leaders to explore the future of sport, highlighting athlete dedication and public-private partnerships for regional development in the Canary Islands.
The Arona Gran Hotel, part of Spring Hotels, recently hosted a successful discussion event called "The Blue Challenge." Many people attended this talk, which focused on the future, values, and challenges of sport. Held just before the second 'The Blue Challenge' Open Water Swim, the event gathered Olympic legends and leaders from government and business to discuss overcoming hurdles and the future of sport in the Canary Islands.
The first panel featured legendary swimmer David Meca, world champion Erika Villaécija, and European champion Laura Roca. They gave an honest and personal look at what it takes to be an elite competitive athlete.
The athletes stressed that years of hard work and very tough training are absolutely essential for success in sport. They also said that 'fighting for a dream' – like becoming an Olympian – is what gives athletes the energy to get through daily challenges. A strong mindset is crucial for top athletes. Laura Roca noted, "Many people have been close to success but lost it because of their mindset." Everyone on the panel agreed that it's vital to "never give up" and to "learn from failures" to grow.
The second panel included government representatives like Manuel Gómez (CEO of Ideco), Naím Yánez (Arona's Tourism Councillor), and Luis Sierra (Sports Councillor), alongside Miguel Villarroya, CEO of Spring Hotels. This group discussed how sports events are managed and promoted on the island.
The government representatives emphasized that working together between public and private sectors is key for sports events, and praised Arona's ability and dedication to sport.
Miguel Villarroya, CEO of Spring Hotels, stressed his company's dedication to sport. He said, "From the private sector, we see sport as a way to bring about social and economic change. It's more than just sponsoring events; it's about making a real difference in the community by encouraging healthy lifestyles, building a strong identity for the destination, and helping local development." This aligns with the group's goal to make Tenerife a top spot for sports training and competitions all year.
The success of this discussion event shows that Spring Hotels is not just a sponsor, but also plays a key role in encouraging meaningful conversations about the future of sport and its values in the Canary Islands.