Por Redaccion 
The upcoming Friday, June 20 at 20:00, will mark the beginning of one of the most anticipated solidarity events in the Andalusian calendar: Imparables Contra la ELA in Torre del Mar. This unprecedented sports event will turn the Axarquía into a symbol of fight, visibility, and hope against Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis (ALS) for 24 hours.
In attendance were the first deputy mayor of Vélez-Málaga and deputy mayor of Torre del Mar, Jesús Pérez Atencia; the Sports Councillor of the Vélez-Málaga City Council, Manuel Gutiérrez, and one of the event organizers, Jorge Montoro.
Pérez Atencia opened the floor by stating, «We convene this press conference to present an event that has become ingrained in the essence of our region. It’s a gathering that once again positions Torre del Mar and Vélez-Málaga as benchmarks of solidarity, social commitment, and collective struggle.»
«We’re talking about ‘Imparables Contra la ELA,’ a sports and community event that will take place on June 20 and 21, bringing together over 2,000 people for 24 uninterrupted hours of sports activities in support of those suffering from ALS. This event, driven by the association ‘Saca la Lengua a la ELA,’ is more than just a sports event. It’s a true social movement that unites our citizens, clubs, collectives, and organizations around a common goal: raising awareness about this disease and raising funds for its research,» added Pérez Atencia.
According to the councilor, «Torre del Mar will become the epicenter of sports solidarity during those 24 hours, and that’s why we invite all citizens to participate and wear the pink shirt of ‘Imparables Contra la ELA.’ Thanks to everyone who makes it possible.»
Manuel Gutiérrez, the Sports Councillor of the Vélez-Málaga City Council, expressed his support and gratitude during the presentation of the sports and solidarity project aimed at supporting the fight against ALS, an initiative that will traverse the Axarquía region on June 20 and 21.
During his speech, the councilor highlighted the institutional collaboration and joint effort between municipal areas: «I took on the councilor role just four months ago, and this project was already in motion. From the very beginning, we embraced it with affection and commitment from the Sports Area. The work done by the deputy mayor, the project leaders, and the different councilors has been admirable. Now is the time for all that effort to be endorsed by the citizens.»
The councilor called for active participation from the residents of the municipality, emphasizing the importance of supporting this solidarity cause while engaging in sports: «Now that we are healthy and able to do sports, there is nothing better than collaborating with this association. No one is exempt from being affected by this disease one day. That’s why now is when we all must ‘stick out our tongues’ to ALS and collaborate.»
The initiative, which includes sports activities such as swimming, cycling, and running, will involve multiple athletes and enthusiasts. «The pools in Cajiz, Triana, and the Nautical Club are ready for those participating in swimming. Others will traverse the region running or cycling. The important thing is for all citizens to get involved and embrace this much-needed project.»
The councilor concluded by highlighting the event’s significance for promoting sports and solidarity in the municipality: «We will showcase a municipality as vast and diverse as Vélez-Málaga, with Torre del Mar as the epicenter of this grand action. We will depart from there and return there, having journeyed through the Axarquía together. I am sure it will be an emotional and very special event. So, once again, let’s stick out our tongues to ALS.»
Jorge Montoro, the organizer of the solidarity event Imparables Contra la ELA, on behalf of the association ‘Sácale la lengua a la ELA,’ publicly thanked the broad institutional and community support that has made the organization of this new edition possible, to be held on June 20 and 21 in the Axarquía region.
«Firstly, I want to thank the Vélez-Málaga City Council, the Deputy Mayor’s Office of Torre del Mar, the Sports Area, and this year also the Mancomunidad, for the institutional support they have provided from the outset. Their involvement, once again, has been crucial in moving this event forward,» declared Montoro.
He also emphasized the significant involvement of the associative and business fabric of the area: «Over 40 sports clubs have joined the initiative this year, along with numerous private entities that are providing logistical support. This project has become a true collective commitment that reflects the solidarity character of our land.»
Montoro also wanted to highlight the recognition received by the event in its previous edition: «Last year, we were awarded by the Department of Education and Sports of the Andalusian Government with the ‘Divina Pastora-Weiman’ award for the best solidarity event with values. That award is not just ours; it belongs to all those who are supporting this project with their effort and dedication.»
The event, which is shaping up to be the largest to date, will feature multiple inclusive activities open to the public. «The forecast is to surpass the participation of previous years by a large margin. This year, we have new activities such as yoga, skating, and the Faro courts will be open for 24 hours, managed by over 40 volunteers. There will be five different challenges that will traverse the entire Axarquía, including hiking routes from Frigiliana and Rincón de la Victoria, a 105 km trail, another night trail, two Nordic walking events, chess tournaments, and much more.»
Montoro emphasized that the initiative is not just for athletes: «We want the entire community to participate. Those who don’t want to do sports can come to enjoy concerts, exhibitions, or simply share the solidarity spirit of the event. There are no excuses; everyone can ‘stick out their tongue’ to ALS. We look forward to seeing you.»
FUENTE