The Day Ciudad Jardín Became a Family

On Sunday, August 10th, the sports courts of Ciudad Jardín became something far more than a sporting venue. They became the beating heart of a community that celebrates diversity as its greatest strength. The Ciudad Jardín Football Marathon once again bore witness to something extraordinary: an exhibition match that gave a pure lesson in humanity.

The Tide That Never Fails

Like a tradition that repeats itself tournament after tournament, the crowd began to arrive slowly. But when we say “crowd,” we mean something deeper: we mean family. Between fifty and sixty companions filled the stands with that unmistakable energy born of genuine affection.

Once again, there was that tide of bicycles following us to every place where a ball rolls. Friends from the Pinar Centre, lifelong companions, and—something especially moving—former residents who once passed through the centre, now returning with shining eyes, eager to reunite with those who remained their brothers.

The atmosphere was pure celebration. Music played, laughter echoed, and that magic of integration happened again—naturally, effortlessly—like puzzle pieces falling into place. Once again, that extended family was formed, a community that transcends all differences and unites through the universal language of respect and care.

An Organization That Teaches Humanity

The match between Pinar Futsal I and Pinar Futsal II promised excitement, but what truly moved us was watching how everything was organized. Twelve kits for each team, handed over to the players with total trust: “Organize yourselves as you see fit.”

And there it was again—that natural humanity that defines our young people. The distribution became an exercise in pure generosity: always thinking of others, making sure everyone had the chance to enjoy the moment, ensuring that every teammate who had arrived full of excitement could feel part of something special.

But there was one gesture that perfectly captured the spirit of the day. Pinar Futsal I not only welcomed their usual teammates but also invited Juli, a local boy, to join the team. They gave him a kit, lent him boots, dressed him in the family colours. In that moment, Juli wasn’t “the kid from Río San Pedro playing with the Pinar team”—he was simply a brother rowing alongside his teammates towards the same dream.

When You Leave Your Soul in Every Play

The match was spectacular, not only for the football quality but because every play was lived with intensity, every pass came with fair play, and every challenge was met with the respect of those who understand that the rival is not the enemy, but a companion.

After two consecutive defeats, Pinar Futsal I finally beat their brothers from Pinar II. The celebration was genuine, the friendly jokes never stopped, and—as always happens among those who truly care for each other—the scoreboard became a reason for shared laughter rather than division.

Trophies Worth More Than Gold

When it was time for the award ceremony, the surprise filled the air with emotion. The organizers had prepared recognition for each team, a special trophy for the winner, and a particular distinction for Boubou from Pinar I, chosen as the best player of the match.

But the physical trophies were only symbols of something greater: the recognition of young people who show that greatness is not measured by titles but by the way they compete, respect, and make every opponent feel valued. There was an exchange of kits, a symbolic gesture of brotherhood that turns opponents into fellow travellers.

The Gift That Nourishes the Soul

Amid the celebration, a very special guest appeared—Daniela, invited by Marea Viva, who had travelled from far away to share this moment with our players. Her gesture was simple yet extraordinary: she bought pizzas for everyone.

Seeing the boys’ faces light up, their boundless gratitude, and the natural way Daniela became part of the family was one of those moments that restore faith in human kindness. As she herself later admitted, that day became one of those memories she will treasure forever, because she discovered what many of us already know: when we treat each other like the family we are, no matter where we come from, magic happens.

The Silent Heroes Who Make Dreams Possible

Behind every beautiful moment were hands at work, hearts beating in unison toward a common goal. Volunteers joining Marea Viva for the first time, each adding their grain of sand to help build this ever-growing community. Juan, Carmen, Carla, Paquito—each leaving their mark on a story that belongs to all of us.

Pilar was also there (accompanied by her family, as always supporting and committed to these initiatives), along with Jara, our colleagues from the Pinar, supporting us as always and proving that this family knows no borders or limitations.

Some moments will stay etched in the soul forever—like watching one of our players spontaneously help Elidad up the stairs—small gestures that reveal who we truly are when no one is watching.

Infinite Gratitude for Those Who Make Miracles Happen

As the last laughs faded and the courts returned to their pristine state (because respecting the spaces that host us is part of our essence), there remained that warm feeling of having been witness to something special.

Our deepest thanks go to César and his organizing team, who not only invited us but took care of every detail to make sure our boys felt at home. But what stood out most was not their organizational efficiency, but their constant humanity—their tireless effort to give each of our young people the very best.

Because César understood from the beginning something not everyone sees: this is not just football—it’s a life project, a chance to show that when you plant values, you harvest miracles.

When the Ball Stops, Life Goes On

At the end of the day, when the cheers faded and the last bicycles disappeared through the streets of Ciudad Jardín, something important had happened. Football had been played, yes—but more importantly, it had been proven that there is another way to do things.

The boys went home with more than just a trophy under their arm. They carried the certainty that they belong to something good, that there are people who believe in them, and that their worth is not measured by what they own or where they come from, but by what they are capable of giving.

Daniela returned to her city with a smile that will be slow to fade, carrying the story of young people who taught her that generosity is a language we all understand. The volunteers went back to their routines knowing they had been part of something truly worthwhile. And we, at Marea Viva, confirmed once again what we already knew: when you work from the heart, the results always exceed expectations.

Sunday, August 10th was an ordinary day that became extraordinary simply because we decided to treat each other well. Because we chose inclusion over exclusion, an embrace over indifference, building instead of breaking.

And maybe that’s all we really need to remember: doing the right thing doesn’t require grand gestures or elaborate speeches—just simple choices, one after another, until you suddenly realize you’ve helped build something beautiful.

Until the next meeting, until the next chance to show that when we choose humanity, we always win.

— Marea Viva