Ferrán Torres, FC Barcelona footballer, showed his support for those affected by the DANA in the Spanish provinces of Valencia, Albacete and Cuenca despite not playing this Sunday at the Reale Arena (where Barça lost 1-0 to Real Sociedad) due to injury. The striker, a native of Foios (Valencia), shared on his Instagram the work of the organization “A hot plate for Valencia”, which is helping the victims of the recent floods that devastated the region.
Through his social networks, Torres expressed his anguish and sadness for the devastating effects of the disaster: “It breaks my heart seeing my people and my land devastated”. He also showed his frustration with the political management of the crisis, stating in a heartbreaking message: “The State is failed. We need a change in this country.” Investigations are pointing to an initial regional failure on the part of the government of the Valencian Community, beyond a subsequent lack of coordination between the Valencian Community and the central government.
MESSAGE OF SOLIDARITY WITH THE PEOPLE
Torres, visibly outraged, did not hesitate to criticize politicians, regardless of their party. “The people save the people,” he expressed, emphasizing the need for a change in the government’s response to tragedies like this one. “Visca Valencia and Viva España,” he concluded, showing his unity with those affected and gratitude for the support received.
This gesture by Ferran Torres highlights his closeness to his homeland and commitment to his people. Furthermore, despite his frustration at not being able to be with his team on the pitch, his priority was to be with his people, concretely helping the families affected by the floods.
REAL MADRID HAS DONATED 1 MILLION EUROS
In addition to his message, Ferran also joined the relief efforts in his hometown, actively contributing to the support of the storm victims. Sportsmen and public figures, such as Osasuna’s coach Vicente Moreno, have also shown their solidarity by traveling to the area to carry out relief work, as has Real Madrid, which has donated one million euros for those affected.
This Sunday, the Spanish tennis player Paula Badosa, has indicated that she will donate 50% of the proceeds from this week’s Billie Jean King Cup (former Federation Cup): “I am looking forward to representing my country but without forgetting what is really important right now. I am going to donate 50% of my prize money from this tie to the people affected by the DANA in Valencia. Lots of encouragement to all those people. See you on Wednesday”.
The actions of Ferrán Torres, Paula Badosa, Vicente Moreno and Real Madrid are just one example of how sportsmen and women can be active agents of change in times of crisis. With their messages and acts of solidarity, they have managed to create a closer link between soccer and society, demonstrating that sport goes beyond the playing field.
