Albacete to host fifth mountain conference featuring top climbers

The Diputación de Albacete is set to take part in the fifth Mountain Conference, which will be held from 10 to 12 November under the theme 'Seven voices, one mountain'. The event aims to showcase notable figures in mountaineering, climbing, and adventure sports.

Dani Sancha, the provincial deputy for Youth and Sports, participated in the presentation of the conference alongside Óscar Cardo, vice president of the Castilla-La Mancha Mountain Sports Federation, and Francisco Villaescusa, the city’s Sports Councillor. Sancha praised the initiative, organised by the Federation in collaboration with the Diputación de Albacete, the city council, and the regional government of Castilla-La Mancha.

Sancha commended the Federation and all those involved in the organisation for maintaining a project that has reached its fifth edition, establishing itself as a platform to bring mountain culture closer to the public, share experiences, and highlight various sports disciplines and their key figures. He emphasised that the mountain represents more than just a venue for sports; it is a space for learning, personal growth, and community engagement.

He noted the appeal of the programme, which allows attendees to gain first-hand insights into extraordinary experiences and the values associated with these sports. Sancha remarked that the conference “does not solely focus on sports or the international achievements of its participants,” but also on the personal challenges that motivate each action.

This year’s speakers include renowned climbers such as Juanito Oiarzabal, Javier Álvaro, Albacete native Horacio Llorens, Almudena Morales, Edu La Peña, Óscar Cardo, and Jordi Cruz Gómez, who are all prominent figures in the national and international climbing community.

Sancha expressed gratitude for their participation, highlighting that having such esteemed figures contributes not only to the prestige of the event but also fosters a growing interest in mountaineering within the province. He stated, “We have many enthusiasts, and the number continues to increase.”

He also stressed the importance of creating spaces for interaction among federations, clubs, athletes, and institutions, thanking the Federation for its efforts to promote these disciplines and encourage more people to engage with them. The Diputación views sports as a tool for territorial development, tourism promotion, and revitalising municipalities, recognising the exceptional opportunities that Albacete's geography offers for outdoor activities.

Óscar Cardo highlighted the human aspect of the conference, pointing out the values it can impart to society, especially to the youth. He remarked, “We are not governed by a stopwatch like most sports or by results; it is a struggle against our own comfort or will.”

The conference will be free of charge and open to the public until capacity is reached, taking place across various venues in the capital. Most sessions will be held at the auditorium of the JCCM (Junta de Comunidades de Castilla-La Mancha), except for the inaugural session on 10 November, which will take place at the Filmoteca.

The programme kicks off on 10 November at 18:30 with the session 'Oiarzabal', featuring the historic climber Juanito Oiarzabal and Javier Álvaro, dedicated to sharing experiences and insights into their journeys. On 11 November, at 18:30, Horacio Llorens will present 'Flying among giants', discussing his experiences in paragliding and adventure sports. The final day, 12 November, will feature two sessions: 'The 8 of Hushe' at 17:30, with Almudena Morales, Edu La Peña, and Óscar Cardo, focusing on a project training female climbers in Pakistan, and at 18:30, Jordi Cruz Gómez will present 'Once the plan was to leave', addressing sport climbing, living with Parkinson's disease, and personal resilience.

With this fifth edition, Albacete reaffirms its status as a meeting point for mountain enthusiasts, offering an opportunity to share knowledge, discover new experiences, and promote responsible enjoyment of the natural environment alongside values of personal growth.