Southern Tenerife owes much of its current prosperity to the contributions of various individuals. Over the past years, the region has undergone remarkable growth in terms of infrastructure, population, socioeconomics, and culture. While local efforts have played a significant role in this development, different cultural perspectives, such as those introduced by Raimund Gundra, have also shaped the region’s landscape, not only in Southern Tenerife but across the Canary Islands. Raimund, also known as Ramón among friends, is a German native of Frankfurt who has spearheaded projects in the Canary Islands, fostering societal growth and specifically benefiting the residents of the South.
Aged 71, Raimund was born in Nidda, north of Frankfurt. He is widely recognised among his friends and the Southern Tenerife community for his profound impact on the region. “38 years ago, I developed a deep admiration for the Canary Islands. I initially joined the Frankfurt police force at 17 to avoid military service and with the hope of pursuing a different path. However, I soon realised that as a civil servant, my work lacked significance and wasn’t appreciated. I yearned to initiate actions that would benefit the community, prompting me to leave Germany and relocate to Tenerife in 1986,” he recounts. “My wife and I embarked on a trip to explore the Islands in a caravan. During an overnight stop at Las Teresitas, I crossed paths with my future partner, another German working at a car rental company.”
Upon settling in Tenerife and embarking on his entrepreneurial journey, Raimund’s passion for football drove him to introduce numerous innovations in amateur football on the Island. “Back in 1987, only youth and senior teams existed in the region. I was taken aback by the fervour with which football was celebrated in this country; it was astonishing that there were no leagues for individuals over 30 years old. This prompted me to propose the creation of an amateur league, an idea that eventually materialised with various forms of support,” he explains.
Philanthropic Tournaments
“At the age of 42, I came to terms with the end of my football career, leading me to discover golf,” he shares. After honing his golf skills over the years, Raimund was struck by inspiration. “Upon receiving a request from an association seeking to raise funds and school supplies, I felt compelled to give back to the Island.” This led him to establish a charitable golf event: the Hermanns Golf Open. The proceeds from this tournament were dedicated to the “Sol y Espigas” association in Cabo Llano, Arona, aiding single mothers and domestic violence survivors.
Over a decade, Raimund successfully cultivated this championship, attracting up to 140 players. “I managed to secure the support of Enrich Ribbeck, former coach of the German national team and Bayern Munich, for the project. It was a rewarding experience for everyone involved. We garnered support from numerous business figures for this noble cause. This remains etched in my memory,” he reflects.
Raimund is, to many, just an ordinary individual. His friends attest to his deep-rooted connection to the region and affirm that his work is intrinsic to his identity. Following the loss of his wife to colon cancer, his dedication to charitable endeavours only intensified. Presently, he bridges the gap between associations and investors to bring various projects to fruition.
