The Canarias Athletics Invitational will bring together six Olympic medalists at the CIAT for an event of the highest international caliber

The Tenerife Athletics Center (CIAT) is already decked out to host the third edition of the Canarias Athletics Invitational, which will take place this Wednesday as one of the strongest editions in its history, featuring six Olympic medalists, solidifying the Tenerife meet as one of the major events in international track and field within the World Athletics Continental Tour Silver circuit.

On the morning of Tuesday, the 26th, the island facility hosted the grand opening, which was attended by the Tenerife Island Council’s Councilor for Sports, Yolanda Moliné; the Director General of Physical Activity and Sports for the Canary Islands Government, María Rojas Estévez; the Councilwoman for Sports of Santa Cruz de Tenerife, Alicia Cebrián; Ideco’s CEO, Manolo Gómez; the president of the Canary Islands Athletics Federation, Pablo De los Santos; and the event director, Alberto Armas.

Everyone agreed on the importance of this event, which is now a fixture on the calendar and also does so much good for the youth players, who get to compete and have the chance to meet their role models without having to leave the island.

Yolanda Moliné, the Tenerife Island Council’s Sports Councilor, spoke about the importance of these events, as they give “boys and girls the chance to see and interact with their role models. With the Canarias Athletics Invitational, we’re positioning ourselves as an island that hosts top-tier events and sports,” she said. At the same time, she highlighted the improvements made to the facility, including the renovation of the seats, lighting, track surface, and gym, as well as the installation of a pioneering photovoltaic system.

For her part, Alicia Cebrián described it as an event “eagerly awaited by everyone.” This meet is very important for our city and island. Santa Cruz de Tenerife is proving itself to be the epicenter of international sports and athletics, not only with the Canarias Athletics Invitational, but also with the other competitions and events we organize or collaborate on. Bringing in such high-level athletes has positive side effects, such as revitalizing the local sports scene and increasing the number of federation licenses,” she explained.

Next, María Rojas took the floor. “We know how much work goes into organizing this type of event. Collaboration between institutions and businesses is crucial to continuing to position the archipelago as a tourist and sports destination. We are ready to host international events; it is essential that our people not have to leave the Canary Islands to attend these kinds of events,” she noted.

On the competitive front, David Delgado spoke, expressing his excitement about competing again in front of his fans, right here at home. “The Canarias Athletics Invitational proves that it’s possible to host high-quality events on our island. Running at home gives me an extra spark; I’m going for the Spanish record. Last year was incredible, and I want to experience that again. I’d like to take this opportunity to congratulate all the clubs for the work they’re doing at the grassroots level,” he added.

Finally, the president of the Canary Islands Athletics Federation, Pablo de los Santos, expressed optimism about the future: “I believe we can aim for more. We want to thank the institutions for their support, which has made it possible for us to host a meet of this caliber for the third year in a row. This event means so much more than just sports, and we’re happy about that.”

The competition will bring together some of the leading figures in international track and field in Santa Cruz de Tenerife for an event marked by a high level of competition in both track events and field events.

Among the big names on the roster is Australian Matthew Denny, an Olympic medalist and one of the world’s leading discus throwers, who will be aiming for 70 meters. Also returning to his favorite event is David Delgado, who broke the Spanish record last year.

The sports program will kick off in the early afternoon with the promotional and youth competitions, featuring events for the U-8, U-10, U-12, and U-14 categories between 3:50 p.m. and 4:45 p.m., reinforcing the event’s commitment to linking grassroots track and field with major international competition.

Starting at 5:00 p.m., the spotlight will shift to the international elite with a program featuring thewomen’s javelin throw, the 100-meter hurdles, the men’s long jump, the 100-meter dash, the women’s 800 meters, the discus throw, the women’s triple jump, the men’s and women’s 400-meter hurdles, the 200-meter dash, and closing with the men’s 1,500 meters—all coming together for an afternoon of top-level track and field in Santa Cruz de Tenerife.

In the last few hours, the organization has also confirmed several withdrawals due to physical issues. Yulimar Rojas will ultimately be unable to compete after recent medical tests, including an MRI, led specialists to advise against her participation in the competition.

Mariano García will also be out of the competition, as he will have to sit out for several weeks while he continues his recovery, and Canarian athlete Samuel García has also been ruled out after suffering an injury during one of the pre-event training sessions.

Despite these absences, the meet retains its competitive appeal with a top-tier international field and a schedule designed to make Santa Cruz de Tenerife one of the major stages of world athletics this week.

The Canarias Athletics Invitational once again combines elite competition, international exposure, and the promotion of grassroots sports in an event that continues to solidify Tenerife’s place on the global athletics map.

It should be noted that the event is organized by the Canary Islands Athletics Federation and World Athletics, with technical support from European Athletics and sponsorship from the Tenerife Island Council through its Sports Department; the Canary Islands Government’s “Islas Iguales” initiative; and the Sports Department of the Santa Cruz de Tenerife City Council. It also benefits from the collaboration of the Royal Spanish Athletics Federation, Viajes Insular, Binter, Usquam Sport Wear, and the Barceló Hotel Group.