As well as the three winning entities, the #SiempreFuerte Awards also recognised two inspiring, supportive and committed personalities. For this V edition, Sarah Almagro won the Abdallah Ben Barek Award, which was presented to her by the adviser, accompanied by his friend and Malaguista legend Francisco Martín Aguilar. The #SiempreFuerte Special Award was presented to Dani Rovira, who was accompanied on stage by Pablo’s father Paco Ráez and José María Muñoz, Málaga CF’s judicial administrator and president of the MCF Foundation.
Born in Marbella, Sarah is a law student in love with sport. In 2018 she lost her limbs to meningitis. However, she made a huge recovery, winning the Spanish championship and world runner-up titles in adaptive surfing in California. “When I was told about the amputation, everything came crashing down on me. Nobody is prepared to say goodbye to parts of their body”, she said on stage at Museo Picasso Málaga. However, Sarah said a question from her mother changed her vision. “Was Stephen Hawking useless? From that moment I changed my mindset. With head and heart, there are no limits,” said the award winner.
Dani's presentation was quite different. The stand-up comedian and actor from Málaga who, thanks to 'Improviciados', Fundación Ochotumbao and 'Todos los caminos', works to improve the lives of disadvantaged people, helps in the conversation about the environment and the protection of animals. Dani commented: “There comes a time when you understand that you can’t just look the other way. Once you embrace that, it’s very hard to live and look the other way,” he said about his commitment to society.
The Malagueño actor added, “Pablo is one of those people who, if they come into your life and touch you in some way, they leave a permanent mark.” He also said a few words about what Pablo Ráez meant to him.
“His #SiempreFuerte motto has stayed with me since he first said it. For me, Pablo is a true motivation, he is one of the people I’ve met who had the biggest love for life. He serves as an example of never giving up. One of my references has been, is and always will be, Pablo.”
Sarah and Dani are a clear example of the solidarity and commitment that our city holds. We are proud that you are Malagueños and Malaguistas. Thank you for exemplifying the Blue and White Values that are linked to #SiempreFuerte!
