Familias
Once again, the Cantabrian Surf School is giving us space and visibility at its annual festival, producing a beautiful video that brings the Disfrutar el Mar project to more people. In this video, you can see a class in action and also an interview with me, where I explain what this project means to us, how we work and the power of changing perspectives.
I invite you to watch it, because it reflects the excitement, commitment and special atmosphere we experience every summer.
This year, we have taken the opportunity to emphasise our motto: it is essential to create many more initiatives and opportunities in society so that all children, regardless of their condition or characteristics, can truly participate in the community’s recreational and sporting activities.
We have been growing with this project for 15 years now. We have learned a lot, we have increased in number, but above all, in quality. This year, unfortunately, 27 children have been left without a place, with only 26 places available. It is clear that there is a great need to create spaces for the participation of children and young people with different developmental conditions.
Over the past 15 years, we have developed a format that guarantees the necessary safety for all participants to enjoy the activity, while also providing individualised attention in which every child has a place. All of this has been possible thanks to a dedicated team of volunteers, full of enthusiasm, values and affection, always open to learning about different ways of being.
I couldn’t be happier or more impressed by the great team that has been formed over the years. Some people come, others go; it’s a dynamic project, but that special magic is always there in every course.
When people ask me what it takes to cater for diversity, for me the key is the way we look at others: looking at them with acceptance, respect and dignity. This attitude, beyond any professional training, is what allows for true participation.
Over the last 15 years, more than 150 volunteers have shown that real coexistence starts with attitude and the individual. It is something we can all achieve together, if we really want to.
I hope you will be encouraged to open courses, workshops, classes or clubs where children and young people of all characteristics and conditions can participate.