The Albacete Fairground has been the setting for the tenth edition of RES Solidarity Pilates and the fourth edition of the 12 Hours Aquaservice x Afanion, two events that have established themselves as benchmarks of solidarity and sports in the province.
This year, both events have been part of the commemoration of the 30th anniversary of Afanion and have had numerous sponsors and volunteers, reaffirming their commitment to children and adolescents with cancer and their families, as conveyed by the Association in a press release.
The schedule ran from 9:00 a.m. to 9:00 p.m., offering activities for all ages. Among them, highlights included an outdoor pilates masterclass; a 12-hour charity ham cutting, for the first time in the event; various workshops such as storytelling, painting, crafts, 3D, family activities, and how to prepare an emergency backpack; a children’s area with inflatables, traditional games without plugs, a toy library, and daycare service; sports sessions of Zumba, cycling, functional training, fencing, trampoline, bodybuilding, calisthenics, and 3×3 basketball tournaments.
Additionally, there was a space for emotional well-being inspired by the Renewal and Clarity Plan; exhibitions of dogs from Ala 14, dance, weapons school, chess games, and virtual reality; as well as an influencers area, a fashion show with makeup and hairstyling, and a DJ festival to close the day with music.
In parallel, the challenge ’12 Hours Aquaservice for Afanion’ was developed, aiming to maintain uninterrupted physical activity throughout the day around the Fairground. It was not necessary to participate for the entire time; any person, company, or entity could join at any time and choose freely how to complete the route, whether walking, running, cycling, or alternating modalities. The challenge symbolized collective support for families and minors with cancer, ensuring that there were always people in motion during the 12 hours.
One of the special cases that occurred at this event was that of José María Ródenas, a RES worker for over 23 years. This man from Albacete, currently a member of the Amiab sports club, set an example of solidarity by undertaking the challenge of walking continuously with his clubmate Jesús Ángel Lillo (who competes with an attachment wheelchair and with whom he has already run races) for 12 hours for Afanion, adding a new record to his personal achievements. With this action, José María wanted to raise awareness about cancer, especially in children, and encourage people to participate in these activities, emphasizing the importance of promoting inclusive sports in a more egalitarian society.
SUPPORT OF THE PROVINCIAL COUNCIL
The event was attended by the mayor, Manuel Serrano; the provincial councilor for Social Affairs, José González, and the delegate of the Junta in Albacete, Pedro Antonio Ruiz Santos, among other institutional authorities.
Manuel Serrano congratulated the organizer, Ricardo Torrecillas, for the public and organizational success of these events, which had the collaboration of the City Council, as well as the president of Afanion, Juan García, for the exemplary work they have been doing for 30 years to improve the quality of life of children with cancer and their families in Castilla-La Mancha.
José González, noting that with this activity, the Fairground becomes «the heart of an entire province beating to the rhythm of solidarity, commitment, and the hope we must never lose.» González thanked Juan García, president of Afanion, and the entire «extended family» that is part of this association, for involving the provincial institution in such a significant moment.
«More than a day of sports and togetherness, this is a statement of principles; a collective cry that says that every step, every pedal stroke, and every smile matter. Because when we talk about childhood cancer, there is no room for indifference,» he emphasized.
The councilor highlighted the exemplary role of Afanion in its tireless fight for the rights of children with cancer and their families, reaffirming the support of the Provincial Council through various channels of institutional collaboration.
FUENTE