Sport from Gran Canaria, represented in this act by UD Las Palmas, CB Gran Canaria, Rocasa Gran Canaria, CB Spar Gran Canaria and UD Taburiente, make visible and take a step forward for diversity and show their interest in joining to the “Rainbow League”a project that wants to show compliance with Law 2/2021 (article 51), of June 7, on social equality and non-discrimination based on gender identity, gender expression and sexual characteristics, which includes that the Government of the Canary Islands will promote and ensure that participation in sports and physical activity is carried out on an equal basis, without discrimination based on gender identity and expression or sexual characteristics.
In this way, they remember that this legal framework exists and its implementation encouraging the rest of the entities to ensure compliance with this within the clubs, as well as in the relevant sports facilities.
From the Gamá Collective, Jennifer Molina, coordinator, considers that “we positively appreciate that the entities present come together and take a step forward in the defense of the rights of LGTBI people and ensure compliance with the legal framework. In addition, sports spaces are important for social transformation and for the development of positive values for our society”.
Regarding the clubs present, the CB Gran Canaria, by Juan Ramón Marrero, general director, explained that “we support and follow the Rainbow League and we want to contribute our grain of sand giving steps and samples in the inclusion and diversity in the world of sport”.
In the same way, UD Las Palmas, through Paquito Ortiz, former player and current head of innovation at the club’s foundation, argued that “one of the Foundation’s purposes is to promote sports practice and the values associated with it. Another of them is to promote integration, Therefore, the club has guidelines to eradicate discrimination. Therefore, we have been working on this matter for some time and we want people to know the measures and guarantee safe environments. The well-being of all athletes is essential”.
Antonio Moreno, president of CB Rocasa Gran Canaria, added that “sport is an integrating and social activity. As an entity there is no room for discrimination and so we have thought during all these years. Everything that is done to avoid any type of discrimination, they can count on this club to carry it out”.
“We have been working in women’s sports for years and we are immersed in Equality 0, which means that we are inclusive and that we do not make distinctions of any kind. We just want to reciprocate Gamá with gratitude and we will continue betting on the Rainbow League ”, commented Domingo Díaz, president of CB Spar Gran Canaria.
“All of us who are here are aware that how is it possible in 2023 that we have to carry out acts to eliminate LGBTIphobia in sport. But instead of regretting, we have to structure, plan and imagine another possible scenario. For this, it is essential that not only the entities and public institutions join us, but that the fundamental pieces are the clubs and the fans. To imagine a different sport is to put in the same equation those of us who represent legality, the clubs, players and fans who, after all, are the representation of citizens in sport. We need to involve everyone and everyone.”, andxposed the Deputy Minister of Equality of the Government of the Canary Islands, Sylvia Jaén.
In addition, the event was attended by representatives of UD Taburiente, a club recently awarded with the distinction in the sports field with the Roque Nublo Award, The only team on the Island in both the top male and female field hockey categories, with the firm commitment to continue adding towards equality in this project.