The sports event becomes a space of well-being, gathering and integration for the women welcomed by the organization.

CEAR refugee women take part once again in the Central Lechera Asturiana Women’s Race in Gran Canaria, a sporting and social event held in the city of Las Palmas de Gran Canaria, which has become a space for gathering, well-being and empowerment for thousands of women. Through this initiative, participants from CEAR’s reception programs find an opportunity to share a collective experience, strengthen their self-esteem and enjoy sports in community.

For many refugee women arriving in the Canary Islands, taking part in the Women’s Race is a new and meaningful experience. Coming from contexts where access to sports or women’s self-care is limited, this kind of activity represents a first step towards reclaiming spaces of well-being, health and autonomy.

Sports, well-being and community

The race thus becomes a moment of celebration, but also an opportunity to strengthen bonds and build networks among women from different backgrounds who share the same space. Walking or running together, accompanied by thousands of participants, helps create an environment of mutual support and fosters their integration process into the society that now welcomes them.

Many of these women have experienced complex migration journeys and have had to leave their homes due to conflicts, persecution, violence or situations of extreme vulnerability. In this context, access to community and leisure activities becomes especially important, as it helps improve emotional well-being and gradually rebuild trust in a new environment.

From CEAR Canarias, comprehensive support is provided to refugees and applicants for international protection, including legal, social and psychological assistance, as well as guidance for labor inclusion. This work seeks to ensure that each person can rebuild their life project with safety, autonomy and dignity.

As part of this process, participation in initiatives such as the Women’s Race also helps highlight the diversity of stories, journeys and realities that coexist today in our communities. Refugee women not only take part in this sporting event, but also share with the rest of society a message of strength, resilience and hope.

The presence of CEAR in the Women’s Race reflects the organization’s commitment to equality, inclusion and the well-being of all women. Every step taken during the race also symbolizes the path many of them follow to build a new life in a safe environment, supported by a community committed to solidarity and respect.

More information: https://www.cear.es/