The most brilliant and universal Malagueño in history, Pablo Ruiz Picasso, used to say that “everything you can imagine is real.” Another Pablo from Málaga, Ráez, left us the memory of imagining a Siempre Fuerte world, fighting until the end and enjoying every moment.
Under this slogan, the carnival troupes of Er Dito and Alhaurín put their voices, music and art to the opening of a gala hosted for the fourth consecutive year by journalist Cristina Zumaquero and Sebastián Fernández 'Basti', soul of the MCF Foundation’s Social Department.
People from all the Club's levels, from executive to sport, were present at an event that included a large representation of political authorities from Málaga City Hall, the Diputación Provincial and Junta de Andalucía. The auditorium was packed to the rafters at the Museo Picasso Málaga.
‘La Mari’, one of the most genuine and recognised artists from Málaga on the music scene, brought her brilliant touch to the beginning and end of the event, performing Corazón Valiente (inspired by Pablo Ráez) and La Vida Viene y Va.
Two emotional moments marked the initial part of the gala. On the one hand, the memory of Malaguista legend Antonio Fernández Benítez, who left us on 23rd January. In addition, the #SiempreFuerte Applause was dedicated to a Club employee who has experienced a very delicate personal situation over the last year.
The “beautiful energy” of Pablo Ráez was the basis of the beautiful painting by Lorena Hermoso for this year’s winners. INPAVI Málaga, DEBRA Piel de Mariposa and Fundación César Ramírez Bisturí Solidario, won the social entity awards. The Abdallah Ben Barek Award went to Sarah Almagro. “With head and heart there are no limits,” said a champion of sport and life. And the special #SiempreFuerte award went to a comedian and actor from Málaga who needs no introduction. Dani Rovira, personal friend of Pablo Ráez, whom he remembered as “one of my role models” and “a motivation for every time I'm not feeling well.” José María Muñoz, the Club’s judicial administrator, and Paco Ráez, Pablo's father, who thanked the Foundation for “continuing to commit to solidarity,” presented him with the award.
The family photo put the finishing touch to an event that reminds us that “every moment is tremendously unique” and we must “love life, smile and enjoy every moment.” The words of Pablo Ráez.
A million thanks from Málaga CF, via the Foundation, to all the collaborators, friends and sponsors who made this fifth edition of these such special awards possible. Thank you Museo Picasso Málaga, Fundación El Pimpi, Cervezas San Miguel, IBIMA and Burger King. Thank you very much. Siempre Fuertes!
