Students from the Real Madrid Foundation’s social sports schools in the Dominican Republic were invited to visit the training ship Juan Sebastián de Elcano, docked in the port of Santo Domingo as part of its XCVIII Training Cruise. The activity became a unique educational experience that blended history, culture, and values, giving the children a closer look at one of the most iconic symbols of the Spanish Navy. Upon arrival, they were welcomed by the commander’s secretary, Lieutenant Gonzalo Gestoso, along with six midshipmen who guided the visit.
During the tour, the students explored key areas of the ship, including the poop and forecastle decks, the command bridge, and the midshipmen’s quarters, where future Navy officers receive part of their training. The midshipmen shared personal experiences from life on board, navigation stories, and reflections on their military careers, creating a warm and engaging atmosphere for the young visitors.
An exciting visit
The training ship, named in honor of Juan Sebastián Elcano, has nearly a century of history and has sailed over 1.9 million nautical miles across all oceans. Throughout its journey, it has visited more than 70 countries and circumnavigated the globe eleven times, representing Spain and showcasing this “piece of Spain that sails” to the world.
The visit was particularly moving for the Dominican students participating in the social sports schools that the Real Madrid Foundation has been running in Santo Domingo since 2012, in collaboration with Misiones Salesianas, the Salesiana Don Bosco Foundation, and the Mapfre Foundation.
These schools currently serve more than 380 boys and girls in situations of risk and vulnerability, promoting football and basketball as educational tools and also providing academic support, psychological assistance, medical evaluations, and family follow-ups.
A unique opportunity
These young participants come from the Don Bosco Educational Plaza in East Santo Domingo and the Santo Domingo Savio School Home in the southern part of the city. Boarding the Juan Sebastián de Elcano represents an opportunity to broaden their worldview and connect with values such as discipline, camaraderie, teamwork, and respect.
Like every initiative of the Real Madrid Foundation in the Dominican Republic, this experience reaffirms its commitment to providing children with a safe space to grow, learn, and transform their future.