LaLiga Genuine: hope wins by a landslide

In LaLiga Genuine, the only league in the world for people with intellectual disabilities, the result counts, but only for so little. The most inclusive football league in Spain—launched in the 2017-2018 season through the LaLiga Foundation —prioritizes above all else values ​​such as friendship, respect, self-esteem, camaraderie... Not a bad face, not a rude gesture or protest to the referee, not a late tackle on an opponent. Only hugs, applause, and good vibes on and off the pitch. Behaviors that should be emulated in professional football across the globe.

It's a way of opening doors to people who tend to be invisible, with a ball as their traveling companion. A simple look at the players' faces—over 16 with no age limit—is enough to realize that excitement wins by a landslide. The names of the two groups into which the 47 participating teams are divided are a clear statement of intent. The so-called "Companionship" group brings together 23 teams, including Racing de Santander, Atlético de Madrid, Fundación Real Madrid, Real Sociedad, Villarreal, Betis, and Athletic Club, while the so-called "Respect" group comprises 24 teams—Getafe, Barcelona, ​​Espanyol, Celta Vigo, Girona, Sevilla, Alavés, and more.

If we add to all this the LaLiga Genuine Moeve motto, "Sharing before competing," it's clear what they're aiming for with a project that's growing like wildfire thanks to the "involvement of the clubs," Enrique Villaverde, president of the LaLiga Foundation, promoter of the competition, acknowledged yesterday at Lezama. The fourth and final phase, in which everything will be decided, takes place this weekend at Athletic Club's factory. Nearly 1,400 participating players and coaching staff are enjoying the football festival.

Not even the fact that the sporting and fair play winners will be decided in each of the two groups can distract from the focus on the protagonists. No more pressure. The important thing is to enjoy the company of friends and rivals, even if each one proudly defends their colors, trying to emulate their heroes—Nico Williams, Lamine Yamal, Julián Álvarez, or Cristiano Ronaldo, to name a few of those most mentioned yesterday. The LaLiga Genuine Move teams felt the warmth of the fans from the moment they landed at the red-and-white facilities early this morning.

A procession of family members and collaborators—more than 250 from LaLiga, Athletic, and sponsors—greeted the delegations like champions while music played over the PA system encouraged them to move their bodies. Upon arrival, a volunteer from each team made sure that all 47 groups had everything they needed, as well as guiding them to the different fields—nine in total—on which they would compete.

And, between matches, there was time for reunions and friendly greetings. Always setting an example. One of them featured Guille Rodríguez, a Betis player, with a Sevilla player, with whom he high-fived. "I'm a Sevilla fan too, even though I play for Betis," the Betis player admitted with a mischievous smile, while Martín, a teammate, flashed him three fingers with a grin from ear to ear, pretending he'd scored a hat trick. "I've never scored before. He's overjoyed," Guille acknowledged, happy for his friend.

The largest and most boisterous crowd, due to the home game, was Athletic Club's, although supporters of Real Sociedad, Racing Club, Leganés, Osasuna, Eibar, and Real Madrid also provided plenty of color. "It's about creating a party with the opponents, the stands, the referee, and ensuring the kids go home happy and want to come back," said Athletic Genuine coach Igor Arenaza.

This explains why their players applaud both their own goals and those of their opponents, dance with their opponents, and embrace everyone at the end of each match. Racing's team, which leads the table in the "Companionship" group, also had a great time. Families paraded their champions to the sound of music at the end of the morning session to encourage them as they prepare for the final stretch of the championship.

On the other side of the scale, in terms of numbers, but not in terms of desire to cheer, were the Tenerife fans. Half a dozen members of the Peña PCEDI flew from the islands to be at this final phase. "The cost of the trip is significant and not affordable for everyone," noted Fernando Ramos and Julia Hernández, while following their son's progress on the pitch. "Football is a social good that gives these kids a lot of life," they acknowledged.

LaLiga Genuine is "an experience that leaves a lasting impression," not only on the participants and their families, but also on the volunteers. "We live in a world full of problems and we don't understand what's truly important. I had the chance to be with the Alavés team and it was a life lesson," acknowledged Almudena Aguado, Head of Culture at Moeve, the main sponsor of all professional national football competitions, who signed up to lend a hand in Lezama.