Suances to host a charity match against Real Madrid Legends to support Cohorte Cantabria research
The Suances Town Hall has hosted the presentation of the charity match San Martín Veterans – Real Madrid Legends, which will take place on 25 April at La Ribera Football Stadium. The aim of the match is to raise funds to support the ongoing research activities of the Cohorte Cantabria project and to help raise public awareness of the importance of research in improving population health.
The presentation was attended by Javier Crespo, Scientific Director of Cohorte Cantabria; Juan Antonio Rodríguez, board member of Sociedad Deportiva San Martín de la Arena and coordinator of the event; Pedro Munitis, player for the Real Madrid Legends team; and Andrés Ruiz Moya, Mayor of Suances.
A scientific project for the whole of society
During his speech, Javier Crespo highlighted the scientific and social value of the Cohorte Cantabria project, one of the most ambitious population-based research initiatives in Europe. “Cohorte Cantabria is much more than a research project: it is a societal project, a project for all the people of Cantabria,” he said.
Currently, more than 50,000 people are taking part in the study, representing approximately 20% of the population of Cantabria aged between 40 and 70 — an extraordinary scale for a population cohort. Crespo explained that the project will help advance knowledge of multiple diseases and improve population health in the coming years. “The data we are collecting today for research purposes will ultimately translate into better health for citizens,” he noted, adding that in just four years Cohorte Cantabria has become one of the most relevant population cohorts in southern Europe.
The Scientific Director also stressed the importance of initiatives such as this charity match in bringing science closer to the public. “Actions like this bring together health, physical activity and society, and help ensure that a scientific project that belongs to everyone reaches the entire population.”
A project born from sport’s social commitment
The event coordinator, Juan Antonio Rodríguez, explained that the initiative emerged from the social commitment of Sociedad Deportiva San Martín de la Arena to its community. Under the slogan “Hacemos pueblo” (“Building community together”), the club sought to promote a high-impact social and charitable initiative that would strengthen the links between sport and the community.
He described how the project began to take shape after learning about several research initiatives promoted by IDIVAL. Ultimately, they chose to support Cohorte Cantabria because of its innovative nature and the involvement of thousands of citizens in the study. “From the very beginning we understood that this was an exceptional project that represents the whole of Cantabria and deserves to be known by society as a whole,” he said.
Rodríguez also highlighted the collaboration between institutions and organisations that has made the initiative possible, thanking the support of Suances Town Hall, the Government of Cantabria, the Cantabrian Football Federation, IDIVAL and the many partners involved.
Suances, the setting for a sporting and charitable event
The Mayor of Suances, Andrés Ruiz Moya, also spoke at the event, highlighting the pride the municipality feels in hosting an event of this kind. He underlined the sporting and social value of the match, which will bring together great historical figures from football and attract visitors to the town.
Ruiz Moya also emphasised the solidarity behind the initiative and its positive impact on promoting the municipality. “This match represents a unique opportunity for Suances, both because of the sporting attraction of hosting Real Madrid Legends and because of the charitable value of an initiative that supports health research,” he said.
Giving back to society
Pedro Munitis, representing the Real Madrid Veterans Association, expressed the team’s pride in being able to take part in such a charitable initiative. “For us it is very important to be able to help through football and support causes that are truly worthwhile,” he said.
The former Real Madrid player highlighted that these types of matches allow players to give something back to society after the support they have received throughout their careers. “It’s a way of thanking people for everything football has given us over the years,” he explained.
Munitis also emphasised the main objective of the event: supporting health research. “What truly matters is the cause behind the match, which is to generate funds so that IDIVAL can continue researching and working to improve our health.” He also encouraged the public to attend the event and turn it into a great celebration of sport and solidarity.
Tickets priced at €10 and a ‘Fila Cero’ donation option
The charity match Cohorte Cantabria – Real Madrid Legends will take place on 25 April at 6:00 p.m. at La Ribera Football Stadium in Suances. Tickets will have a single price of €10, and a “Fila Cero” donation option will also be available for anyone wishing to support the initiative through a voluntary contribution.
Through this solidarity match, sport, society and science come together to support the continuation of the Cohorte Cantabria research project, promoted by IDIVAL, and to continue advancing knowledge that will help improve population health.
See you in Suances!
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