Spanish sport also mourns the tragic DANA that recently occurred in our country. The big teams on the national scene, as well as the more modest ones, got to work, starting help campaigns for those affected.
A team that is not that big in the world of football, but its values are, is the Leganés Sports Club. The Madrid club, after learning of the events that occurred on the Levante coast, organized a large collection of food, materials, clothes and other accessories in its stadium last weekend.
The solidarity of the neighboring Pepineros was so affectionate that the moment came when no more aid was accepted, since the transport vehicles no longer had room for more material. The local logistics company OnTime, based in Leganés and main sponsor of the club, actively participated in the solidarity campaign by providing transport service to Valencia. In this act of solidarity they also contributed with their grain of sand Dani Raba Yes Jorge Saenz, who were not available on Saturday against Girona. While their team was playing in Montilivi, they could have stayed at home to watch the match, but they did not fail their fans in Butarque.
🙏🏼 #ElCorazónDeUnaCiudad who beats to support his compatriots, Fuerza Valencia! We are with you!
🙌🏻Thanks to @AytoLeganes @OnceLeonesLega @FPLeganes @protezionecivil @DecathlonEspana to Ontime for its essential help @DominosPizza_ES for giving us strength and EVERYTHING… pic.twitter.com/ao7mSoKyqm
— CD Leganes (@CDLeganes) November 2, 2024
100 euros for each kilometer travelled
As if that wasn’t enough with the help campaign in their stadium, Pepinero’s team released a statement on their social networks stating that they will donate 100 euros for every kilometer traveled by each player in this weekend’s match against Sevilla. In this way CD Leganés shows its more human side, which is nothing new for the club.
📜 Open letter from Jeff Luhnow.#NoHayDistanciaEntrePueblos pic.twitter.com/LiPzqLnl6W
— CD Leganes (@CDLeganes) November 7, 2024
Interview between Time.news Editor and Sports Philanthropy Expert
Time.news Editor (TNE): Good morning, and thank you for joining us today. We’ve heard some heartwarming stories coming out of Spain, particularly regarding the solidarity shown by football clubs in the wake of the tragic DANA events. With us is Dr. Alicia Vargas, an expert in sports philanthropy. Dr. Vargas, it’s great to have you here.
Dr. Alicia Vargas (AV): Thank you for having me! It’s a pleasure to discuss such an important topic.
TNE: The recent events in Spain have truly shaken the nation. Can you share your thoughts on how sports teams, big or small, are stepping up to help affected communities?
AV: Absolutely! What we are witnessing is a profound sense of community echoed through the spirit of sportsmanship. The response from clubs, especially from those like Leganés Sports Club, showcases how important it is for organizations to not only compete on the field but also to contribute positively off it. Their initiative to collect food, clothing, and other supplies is a testament to their strong values.
TNE: Yes, Leganés has really distinguished itself in this respect. They filled their stadium with donations to support those in need. What does this tell us about the role sports teams can play in times of crisis?
AV: It’s a powerful example of how sports teams can serve as local leaders and pillars of strength during difficult times. They possess a unique platform to mobilize thousands of fans, and when they utilize that influence for humanitarian causes, it can lead to incredible outreach. It fosters a sense of unity that can help heal communities.
TNE: You mentioned unity—what’s particularly striking is the involvement of players like Dani Raba and Jorge Sáenz who chose to prioritize community support over their individual activities. How significant is this from a motivational standpoint?
AV: It’s very significant. When athletes choose to stand by their community, it sends a message to both fans and fellow players that support is more than just about the game; it’s about humanity. Their actions encourage others to volunteer and participate, creating a ripple effect of goodwill. It reminds everyone that in the grand scheme of things, we are all part of the same team—humanity.
TNE: That’s a very inspiring observation. In your opinion, what does this trend mean for the future of sports philanthropy?
AV: We are witnessing a shift where athletes and teams are increasingly embracing their social responsibility. This trend is likely to grow, as communities continue to face challenges. Moreover, fans are also looking to support clubs that engage in meaningful philanthropy, which may influence how clubs structure their values and operations. We could see more partnerships between sports teams and charitable organizations in the years to come.
TNE: Certainly sounds promising! as people who follow sports, what can we do to support these charitable efforts?
AV: Fans can contribute in several ways—donating to campaigns, spreading awareness on social media, and attending events organized for charitable causes. Engagement is key. When fans actively involve themselves, it amplifies the impact of these initiatives, showing that support extends far beyond stadiums and into our communities.
TNE: Thank you for those actionable insights, Dr. Vargas! It’s heartening to see how sports can play a pivotal role in societal healing and unity. We appreciate your expertise on this topic and hope to see continued positive actions from teams like Leganés as they inspire others.
AV: Thank you for having me! I look forward to seeing how sports will continue to impact our communities positively.