Last weekend on Sunday 17^th September the first of four ‘100 Paladas Solidarias SUMA contra el Cáncer de Mama’ (‘SUMA’s 100 paddles of solidarity against breast cancer’) regattas took place at Club Náutico Jávea. The Rowing Federation of the Valencian Community partnered with the club to organise the event which was also supported by SUMA Gestión Tribtaria. The event, also the first of the year, aimed to raise awareness of breast cancer and show solidarity through the sport.

The day began with a promotional rowing activity, a free event open to all ages in which 20 uninitiated rowers got their hands on paddles for the first time with help from experienced athletes.

Then, at 10:30am the main event of the day began: The Solidarity Challenge. The event was organised into two categories: the ‘Valientes’ (‘Brave’) which featured eight people who had fought and survived breast cancer and the ‘Iguales’ (‘Equal’) featuring at least one rower who had battled breast cancer with the rest requiring an annual non-competitive license in order to participate.

Two teams of the ‘Valientes’ and five teams of the ‘Iguales’ completed a 400-metre course in Falucho/Llaüt Valencià boats whose style of rowing originated in the Levantine region. The clubs participating included Club Náutico Jávea, Real Club Regatas Alicante, Club Rem Denia and Club Náutico Benidorm. With the sunny weather and the location of the regatta in the open sea in front of the Port of Jávea, the public were able to enjoy an exciting day of race-watching from both the port and Grava Beach.

Soon residents and visitors all over Spain will be able to enjoy the races with the upcoming regattas taking place at the ports of Denia (24 September), Alicante (21 October) and Benidorm (19 November). These forthcoming events aim to promote inclusion through sport and increase support for those battling breast cancer.

Report by Mia Raja

‘Article copyright 24/7 Valencia’

More info: https://fremocv.org/