Next Saturday, April 25, at 6:00 p.m., the La Ribera football field (Suances) will host the charity match between the veterans of S.D. San Martín de la Arena and Real Madrid Legends. This solidarity initiative will donate all proceeds to the Valdecilla Health Research Institute (IDIVAL) to support the Cohorte Cantabria project.
The event has received an excellent response, with all tickets sold out—clear proof of Cantabrian society’s commitment to health research. However, the “Fila 0” donation line (IBAN: ES59 2100 2069 4702 0027 7526, Concept: FILA) remains open for those who wish to contribute. Donations over 20 euros will be entered into a draw for an official Real Madrid Legends jersey.
During the presentation of the official jersey that the local team will wear, the participating institutions and organizations highlighted the value of this initiative as an example of collaboration between sports, society, and research.
From the Government of Cantabria, the Director General of Sports, Susana Ruiz, emphasized the potential of sports as a driver of solidarity and social cohesion: “At first glance, sport may seem like just competition, but at its core it is effort, sacrifice, and also collaboration.” She added that “sport and solidarity share the same driving force: empathy,” and highlighted the ability of events like this to raise awareness of scientific and social projects: “A football match can, in just a few hours, help many people learn about a project like Cohorte Cantabria.”
Meanwhile, the Mayor of Suances, Andrés Ruiz Moya, underscored the social and scientific dimension of the initiative, noting that “Cohorte Cantabria represents knowledge, research, and hope,” and expressing the municipality’s pride in helping promote it. He also highlighted the involvement of the visiting team, whose participation has been key to making the event possible.
From IDIVAL, its Managing Director, Galo Peralta, expressed gratitude for the institutional and public support, noting that this match “will be a small but meaningful contribution to the history of Cantabria.” He also stressed the strategic importance of Cohorte Cantabria, “a very important project for the region at this moment, in which 50,000 people have generously participated to support health research and knowledge.”
The regional government reiterated its support for initiatives like this one, which help mobilize society around biomedical research and improving people’s quality of life.
About Cohorte Cantabria
Cohorte Cantabria is a biomedical research project led by IDIVAL since 2021, involving 50,000 volunteers aged 40 to 70 residing in Cantabria. Its goal is to create a large platform of biological and lifestyle data to advance personalized medicine, through periodic follow-up of participants every 3–4 years.
