The city of Oviedo will host the awards ceremony this Wednesday corresponding to the fourth edition of the short story contest "Don't call me loneliness", a contest that recognizes the literary creativity of people over 65 years of ageThe event, promoted by the Asturian Federation of Councils, will take place in the central Plaza de Trascorrales starting at 5:00 p.m. and will feature the participation of regional and municipal authorities.
This contest, which is consolidated as a benchmark for active aging and creative expression In the Principality, it is part of the "Don't Call Me Loneliness" initiative, developed in collaboration with the Asturian Network of Healthy Councils and the General Directorate of Public Health and Mental Health Care. Since its launch in 2022, the call has succeeded in boosting participation and highlighting the literary talent among the Asturian senior population.
Winners and special mentions
In this year's edition, María del Carmen Alonso Dosantos wins first prize for her short story "Old Tears.". Among the special mentions, Fernando Vijande Fernández He receives recognition in the Asturian language for his work "Nicolás el farrapeiro"; Baldomero Álvarez García Receives the municipal mention with "Living and learning"; and Miguel Carmelo González Mesa, resident in the Covadonga Apartments in Oviedo, is honored for his story "The Mother." In addition, the audiovisual mention relapse in Joy Feito Arias from the La Tenderina Multipurpose Resource Center for "All for Peace."
Along with the winners, the jury has selected 17 finalist stories which, along with the award-winning works, have been compiled in a special edition that will be distributed during the awards ceremony as recognition to all participants.
Objectives of the contest and profile of the participants
The organization maintains as a main goal to promote active aging through writing and the sharing of experiences, both in the realm of fiction and autobiographical narratives. The contest has consolidated its role as a space to share the worldview from a generational perspective, showing that age does not limit creativity.
In this edition they have been presented 84 works, including 5 in audiovisual format, signed by 27 men and 44 women, which demonstrates the diversity of voices, styles and perspectives present in the call. The jury especially valued originality, literary quality and creativity. demonstrated by the participants, in addition to full compliance with the rules.
Jury and institutional support
The awards ceremony will be attended by institutional representatives such as Angel Jose Lopez Diaz, Director General of Public Health and Mental Health Care; Enrique Rodríguez Nuño, Director General of Social Services and Seniors; and Lourdes García López, councilor of the Oviedo City Council. In addition, Cecilia Pérez Sánchez, president of the Asturian Federation of Councils, will lead the organization.
The jury that deliberated on the submitted works It is made up of professionals in literature, health and social services management.Among them are Rosana Fernández González, mayor of Coaña and coordinator of the FACC's Social Rights Commission; Esther García López, poet and writer in Asturian and Spanish; Purificación Estrella Saavedra Pose, clinical psychologist; María Estrella Vega Corzo, day center director; Ana Suárez Guerra, councilor responsible for senior citizens in Avilés; and Blanca Iglesias Manjón, winner of the previous award.
This competition is consolidated as a prominent event in the Asturian cultural and social agenda, highlighting the value of creativity and the active role of older people in society, and demonstrating the potential of intergenerational initiatives to promote health and emotional well-being.