Encouraging Healthy Habits: La Laguna Council and Fundación CB Canarias Unite for Student Wellness

The La Laguna Council, in collaboration with Fundación CB Canarias, has rolled out a new initiative aimed at encouraging healthy leisure activities among students in the region. This program is designed to engage young people in positive experiences that promote well-being and deter addictive behaviors.

Inauguration of the Healthy Leisure Program

The initiative, aptly named ‘Healthy Leisure Activities with Students from the Local Secondary Schools – A Morning with C.B. Canarias’, was officially launched on Wednesday at the Alberto Delgado Pavilion. This program is part of a larger effort known as ‘No to Addictions, Yes to Basketball, Choose Life’, which is supported by the Department of Addiction Services of the La Laguna Town Hall, along with C.B. Canarias and the Autonomous Sports Organisation (OAD). The event marked a significant step in the community’s ongoing commitment to fostering a healthier environment for its youth.

Focus on Engagement and Education

The inaugural session of this initiative saw participation from 120 students hailing from various secondary schools, all eager to engage in activities that promote healthy lifestyle choices. The program is specifically designed to instill positive habits while actively preventing addictive behaviors. Over the course of the academic year, two additional sessions are planned for Year 8 students, ensuring that the message of health and wellness reaches a broader audience.

Sergio Eiroa, the Councillor for Addiction Services, underscored the necessity of embedding prevention strategies within the environments frequented by young people. He articulated that these sessions are intended to foster collaboration with educational institutions, emphasizing health promotion and the development of balanced lifestyle habits. Eiroa remarked, “We advocate for an approach that is not fear-based but rather offers tools, support, and role models that resonate with adolescents’ realities.” This perspective highlights the initiative’s commitment to creating a supportive atmosphere for youth.

The program employs basketball and other sports as dynamic educational tools aimed at enhancing social interaction, teamwork, and emotional well-being. Activities were organized into various stations featuring basketball drills and exercises, complemented by a guided session led by a psychology professional. This session focused on emotional management and the importance of making healthy decisions, equipping students with the skills they need to navigate challenges effectively.

Building on Past Success

This initiative marks the second edition of the program, which has gained significant traction following a successful launch last year. The positive feedback from participants and educators alike has encouraged the continuation of these sessions. For the 2024–2025 academic year, activities will be held at the Juan Ríos Tejera, Alberto Delgado, and Islas Canarias (Finca España) pavilions, providing ample opportunities for students to engage in these beneficial programs.

Teachers have reported a remarkable level of motivation and enthusiasm among students participating in these activities. The combination of sports and educational content has proven to be an effective strategy for engaging youth and promoting healthy lifestyles. By focusing on enjoyable activities, the program aims to create lasting impressions that encourage students to make healthier choices in their daily lives.

Key points

• The La Laguna Council and Fundación CB Canarias have launched a program for local students focused on healthy leisure activities.
• The initiative is part of the project ‘No to Addictions, Yes to Basketball, Choose Life’.
• The first session took place at the Alberto Delgado Pavilion, with 120 students in attendance.
• Two additional sessions are planned for Year 8 students during the current academic year.
• Sergio Eiroa, Councillor for Addiction Services, highlighted the importance of positive engagement in youth environments.
• The program aims to prevent addictive behaviors through sports and educational activities.
• This is the second edition of the initiative, following a successful launch last year.