Sarral prepares a match with the national team to raise awareness about Huntington's disease. In the Catalan town of Sarral, discussions are underway to organize a match featuring the Spanish national team. The initiative aims to draw attention to Huntington's disease. Organizers hope to repeat the success of the 1975 event.
In Sarral, Catalonia, there is a discussion about holding a football match featuring players from the Spanish national team—for the first time in half a century. The initiative’s organizer, Albert Esteller, aims not only to stage a sporting event, but also to launch a large-scale campaign to raise awareness about Huntington’s disease, a rare hereditary disorder that has affected his family.
Sarral is a small town in Conca de Barberà, known for its alabaster production but little known beyond the region. In 1975, a unique match was already held here: stars such as Iribar, Kubala, Rexach, Asensi, and Migueli gathered on the local field. Organized with the support of Anton Miró, the event drew three thousand spectators and became a milestone for all of Catalonia. The then national team coach, Ladislao Kubala, personally took to the field, and clubs—except for Madrid’s Real—sent their players.
Today, Esteller, neither a football fan nor a patron, was inspired by archives and memories of that match. His goal is to repeat the success of 1975, but now with a focus on social impact. He actively uses social media to attract the attention of coach Luis de la Fuente, players Lamine and Cubarsí, as well as Federation president Rafael Louzan. If bringing together the national team proves impossible, the organizers are considering the option of inviting a Catalan team or one of the leading clubs.
Huntington's disease, also known as “Saint Vitus' dance,” combines symptoms of Parkinson's, Alzheimer's, and ALS. Esteller, who works as an accountant and owns his own vineyards, personally underwent genetic testing to rule out the risk of passing the disease on to his children. His efforts are aimed at raising awareness of the disease not only in Sarral, but throughout the country.
The story of Sarral shows that even a small town can become the center of attention thanks to sports and social initiatives. Such events have repeatedly been the reason for widespread coverage — as was the case with the departure of the leader of Real Madrid's women's team after record figures, as previously reported by russpain.com.
For reference: Huntington's disease is a rare neurodegenerative disorder that is inherited. In Spain, according to medical associations, several hundred new cases are diagnosed each year. In recent years, there has been a growing number of initiatives aimed at supporting patients and their families, as well as raising public awareness about the disease.
