Tenerife Cabildo Games Hit Record Participation With Over 12,000 Youth Athletes

The 39th Tenerife Cabildo Games have wrapped up, proving once again to be a vital part of the island’s efforts to promote sports. This year, the program reached a record high, involving 12,386 children aged 6 to 16. This growth highlights a steady increase in young people participating in organized physical activities across the islands.

With 809 more participants than last year and a total of 51,490 sessions attended, the program’s "Tenerife Activa" strategy is clearly working. The initiative aims to make sports accessible to everyone, not just those in major cities. Between October and June, 244 competitions were held across 28 municipalities, ensuring that children everywhere could take part.

A significant trend in this year’s games is the continued rise of female participation. For the third year in a row, girls have made up the majority of registrants, accounting for 58.02% of the total. Local authorities see this as a major success for equal opportunity in grassroots sports.

The program offered 29 different disciplines, ranging from team and contact sports to swimming and traditional Canarian wrestling. This variety was made possible through a strong partnership between sports federations, clubs, local schools, and families. Yolanda Moliné, the Minister of Sports, praised this collaborative effort, noting that the program’s true goal is to teach healthy habits and civic values alongside athletic competition.

As the program looks toward its 40th anniversary next year, it is in its strongest position yet. By breaking participation records and expanding its reach, the Cabildo Games have cemented their status as the most important sports initiation program in the Canary Islands.