The charity match will be played on April 25 in Suances and the proceeds will support the research activity of the Cohorte Cantabria project led by IDIVAL.
Suances Town Hall hosted the presentation of the charity match Cohorte Cantabria – Real Madrid Legends, which will take place on April 25 at La Ribera Football Stadium. The aim of the event is to raise funds to continue the research activity of the Cohorte Cantabria project, a scientific initiative led by IDIVAL, and to 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 event coordinator; Pedro Munitis, player for the Real Madrid Legends team; and Andrés Ruiz Moya, Mayor of Suances.
A scientific project for the whole society
During his speech, Javier Crespo highlighted the scientific and social value of the Cohorte Cantabria project, one of the most ambitious population research initiatives in Europe. “Cohorte Cantabria is much more than a research project: it is a project for society, a project for all the people of Cantabria,” he stated.
Currently, more than 50,000 people are part of this study, representing approximately 20% of the population of Cantabria aged between 40 and 70 — an extraordinary scale for a population cohort. Crespo explained that this project will help advance knowledge of multiple diseases and improve public health in the coming years.
“The data we collect today for research purposes will ultimately translate into better health for citizens,” he said, also noting that in just four years Cohorte Cantabria has become one of the most relevant population cohorts in southern Europe.
The Scientific Director also emphasized the importance of initiatives such as this charity match to bring science closer to the public. “Actions like this bring together health, physical activity and society, and allow a scientific project that belongs to everyone to reach 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 local community. Under the slogan “Hacemos pueblo” (“Building community”), the club sought to promote an initiative with strong social and charitable impact that would strengthen the connection 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 Cohorte Cantabria because of its innovative nature and the involvement of thousands of citizens in the study. “From the very beginning we understood that it was an exceptional project that represents all of Cantabria and deserves to be known by the whole society,” he said.
Rodríguez also highlighted the collaboration between institutions and organizations that 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, host of a sporting and charitable event
The Mayor of Suances, Andrés Ruiz Moya, also spoke during the event, highlighting the pride the municipality feels in hosting an event of this kind. He emphasized the sporting and social value of the match, which will bring historic football figures to the town and attract visitors.
Ruiz Moya also stressed the charitable commitment behind the initiative and its positive impact on promoting the municipality. “This match represents a unique opportunity for Suances, both because of the sporting appeal of hosting the 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 participating in such a charitable initiative. “For us it is very important to be able to help through football and collaborate with causes that are truly worthwhile,” he said.
The former Real Madrid player noted that this type of event allows players to give something back to society for the support they have received throughout their careers. “It is a way of thanking people for everything football has given us over so many years,” he explained.
Munitis emphasized 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 said, encouraging the public to attend and turn the event into a great celebration of sport and solidarity.
€10 tickets and a donation row
The charity match Cohorte Cantabria – Real Madrid Legends will be played on April 25 at 18:00 at La Ribera Football Stadium in Suances. Tickets will have a single price of €10, and a “fila cero” (donation option for those unable to attend) will also be available for anyone who wishes to contribute.
Through this solidarity event, sport, society and science come together to support the continuation of the Cohorte Cantabria research project, promoted by IDIVAL, and to keep advancing knowledge that will help improve the health of the population.
