More than 100 rowers take to the sea in Spain for powerful breast cancer challenge

More than 100 athletes took to the waters off Javea on Sunday September 20 for a powerful sporting event dedicated to raising awareness of breast cancer.

The bay became the setting for the second 100 Paladas Solidarias SUMA contra el Cáncer de Mama – Desafíos SUMA por la Igualdad of 2026, bringing together rowing clubs from across the Valencian Community for a day combining competition, solidarity and personal stories of overcoming cancer.

A race with a deeper meaning

The event was organised by the Rowing Federation of the Valencian Community, with support from Club Náutico Javea.

Racing took place in open water in front of La Grava beach and the marina, giving spectators along the waterfront a clear view of the action.

More than 100 athletes from five regional clubs and the federation’s rowing school were involved, competing in traditional Falucho Llaüt Valencià boats.

But for some competitors, the race carried a significance far beyond the finish line.

The 100 Paladas Solidarias category is specifically for SCM athletes, a category made up of people who have overcome breast cancer. Three teams took part in this section, turning the race into a highly visible demonstration of sporting strength and solidarity.

Two challenges on the water

The day’s programme was divided into two separate challenges.

Both began with an initial timed 800-metre race. The 100 Paladas Solidarias teams then faced a second round of approximately 350 metres.

Meanwhile, nine teams entered the SUMA Challenges for Equality. After the opening time trial, competitors faced a 730-metre course with a turn before returning towards the finish.

All of the boats started together in fleet formation, creating a colourful spectacle across the bay.

The participating clubs included Club Náutico Oliva, Club Náutico Benidorm, Club Náutico Javea, Club Rem Marina Dénia and Real Club Regatas Alicante, alongside two representatives from the Valencian Community Rowing Federation’s school.

Second breast cancer event in Javea this year

Sunday’s race was particularly significant because it was the second breast cancer rowing event staged in Javea this year.

The first took place in March, when around 90 athletes gathered in the bay for the inaugural 100 Solidarity Paddles challenge.

That earlier event also featured a dedicated category for breast cancer survivors, alongside an equality competition, continuing an initiative that uses rowing to give greater visibility to people affected by the disease.

The latest event therefore builds on an increasingly established programme in Javea, bringing together competitive rowing and a clear message of support for breast cancer survivors.

Sport, solidarity and the sea

The choice of Javea provides a striking backdrop for the initiative, with the races taking place directly off the town’s coastline and allowing members of the public to watch from the beach and port.

For the organisers, however, the significance of the event goes beyond the sporting competition.

By putting breast cancer survivors and rowing teams side by side on the same stretch of water, the challenge turns a sporting event into a public show of support, resilience and equality.

And with the 2026 programme already having returned to Javea for a second time, the town’s bay has once again provided the setting for a very different kind of race, where every stroke carries a message beyond the finish line.