The CEO of Grupo Califa, James Stuart, has taken a new step in his personal and charitable journey with the presentation of his first book, Africa on the Horizon, inspired by his homonymous blog. This work recounts the challenge of swimming across the Strait of Gibraltar: from the intense training sessions to the curiosities, stories, and anecdotes that accompanied the crossing.
The book was presented yesterday at sunset in the courtyard of the Hotel Madreselva (Los Caños de Meca), in a warm and emotional atmosphere. During the event, Stuart remarked that “writing a book is just as difficult as swimming across the Strait”, highlighting the effort and discipline both challenges require.
The presentation was also marked by a very special moment: the delivery of a solidarity cheque to Rafael Carmona, president of Brazadas Solidarias, with the funds raised during the team’s last challenge, the swim across the legendary Loch Ness in Scotland. Thanks to the collaboration of many people, nearly €6,300 were raised, destined to help 250 boys and girls between 3 and 6 years old in Nepal access quality early education in a safe and healthy environment.
One of the most emotional moments of the evening was the symbolic gesture by Rafael Carmona, who presented three of the four participants in the challenge —James Stuart, Iñaki Guezuraga, and Chris Keightley-Pugh— with handmade “varmalas”, as the fourth, Ricardo Arana, was unable to attend. These garlands were crafted by women with disabilities in the fair-trade workshops of the Vicente Ferrer Foundation. A gesture full of meaning that reinforced the spirit of solidarity and humanity that has accompanied each of these challenges.
In their speeches, both James and his teammate and friend, Iñaki Guezuraga, highlighted the importance of solidarity and sport as processes of self-improvement and as a shared journey. It was an emotional gathering that reflected the union of values such as effort, commitment, and helping others.
With Africa on the Horizon, James Stuart not only shares a sporting adventure, but also an inspiring testimony about what it means to face a challenge, both in and out of the water. Congratulations!
