SANTA CRUZ DE TENERIFE, 6th March (EUROPA PRESS) –
The Council of Tenerife, in collaboration with the public organisation Ideco, has extended its commitment to the Canarian Pequeno Valiente Foundation to enhance the well-being of children with cancer through physical exercise.
The partnership includes backing for the ‘Brave in Shape’ programme, benefiting approximately 300 individuals, and the organization of the inaugural ‘Rainbow Family’ event, a vibrant race featuring three distances aimed at family participation.
Yolanda Moliné, the insular Sports Councillor, emphasized during a press briefing “the commendable efforts undertaken by this association to make the recovery journey of these courageous youngsters, who serve as role models for all, more manageable.”
“At the Council of Tenerife, we are fully committed to supporting this initiative, the primary aim of which is to enhance the daily lives of children with cancer through physical activity and sports engagements that also involve their families,” he expressed.
The President of the Canarian Pequeno Valiente Foundation, José Juan Jerez, expressed gratitude to the Council of Tenerife, the Sports Department, and Ideco for their endorsement of this initiative.
“More than 300 people benefit from the support extended by the island’s corporation. Thanks to them, we are introducing sports activities into hospitals and advocating for an active role for sports. We are trailblazers in this domain,” he remarked.
Manuel Gómez, the CEO of Ideco, described the collaboration with Pequeno Valiente as a “source of immense satisfaction” and a demonstration of “corporate social responsibility.”
“We will facilitate numerous activities at facilities managed by Ideco, such as the Sergio Rodríguez Sports Complex or the Insular Athletics Centre, as well as engagements with our environmental volunteers,” he pointed out.
Beyond the therapeutic benefits of sports in alleviating side effects of oncological treatments and enhancing mood, physical exercise helps prepare the body for the challenges of treatments and aids in managing fatigue and muscle weakness associated with various oncology therapies.
Santiago’s Pilgrimage
‘Brave in Shape’ is conducted in various venues including the Canary Islands University Hospital, Nuestra Señora de la Candelaria University Hospital, as well as in camps, outdoor spaces, or sports centres, including the Tenerife Santa Cruz Ofra Sports Complex managed by the Council through Ideco.
Among the twenty planned activities, special mention goes to several trekking routes to prepare for the Camino de Santiago, rock climbing, paddle tennis, aqua aerobics, yoga, body combat, body step, and a summer camp, among others.
The Canarian Pequeno Valiente Foundation, recipient of the ‘Canary Islands Solidarity Award in 2016’, caters to over 600 individuals, including ailing children and their families.
Facilitating psychological and educational support, enhancing healthcare services for minors, providing lodging for families relocating from other islands, promoting studies and research on childhood cancer, organising extra-hospital activities to foster communication and support among those affected are some of the foundation’s objectives, in addition to raising awareness among the general populace about childhood cancer.
