Queen Letizia continues her agenda after this Wednesday.
© GTRESOne of the most emotional events that was one of its high points was when the Queen recognized former soccer player Juan Carlos Unjué, who announced in 2020 that he was retiring as a coach after being diagnosed with amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS). Since then he has become a great activist and a visible leader of the group that demands all kinds of help. ALS is a degenerative disease that causes progressive muscle paralysis and has a grim prognosis.
© HM King’s HouseThe ongoing tribute took place within the 25th anniversary of the Aequitas Foundation, attended by the highest representatives of the disability sector and was a tribute to some individuals and their families and public or private organizations representing and supporting them.
The Queen, who opted for a sober black knit dress, was accompanied at the event by Equality Minister Anna Redondo; President of the Aequitas Foundation and General Council of Notaries, José Ángel Martínez Sánchez; President of the Royal Board of Trustees of the Prado Museum, Javier Solana; General Secretary for Innovation and Quality of the Public Justice Service, Sofia Puente; and Director of the Aequitas Foundation, Almudena Castro-Girona.
© Europa PressThe event began with a commemorative video screening of the entity’s 25th anniversary and master class titled: Disability, a human rights issue. Progress and pending challengesSoledad Cisternas, former president of the United Nations Committee on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities.
© GTRESLater the presentation of awards by the Queen took place. Rosa Martinez, founder of the Nuestra Señora de la Esperanza Special Education Center in Guadix, received the award in the Anonymous Hero category. Juan Carlos Unzu, spokesperson for the National Confederation of Associations with ALS and the Luzon Foundation, was recognized with speaker recognition. Very excited, the former coach thanked Shraddhaanjali and received his respective diploma amid a few minutes of applause along with Mrs. Letizia. After the family photo, the Queen chatted with Unju and the rest of the audience in a very relaxed and friendly atmosphere.
© GTRESYour family, your great support
Juan Carlos Unjue is an example of progress and courage. He was diagnosed with ALS in 2019 and decided to face it with a smile and the visibility of the disease. He is not alone in his battle, his family has always been by his side, giving him all the support and love, but always with a discreet background. He fell in love with his wife, Maria Elorza, when they were children and they married in 1989. They have three children: Aitor, Jesus and Maria. “They have been very attentive to me since day one. We have always been very close, but this difficult test made me see how strong my family is,” she declared in an exclusive interview on ¡HOLA!
© HM King’s HouseLast summer, Juan Carlos Unjué had one of his happiest moments when he took his young daughter Maria to the altar as hymns played. i will fly for you Filled with emotion, he couldn’t hold back tears like his daughter. “I still can’t put into words what I felt last Saturday. Undoubtedly, by far, the best day of my life. Through tears, I want to thank everyone who was there on our day, not only for being present, but for creating the vibe that was created,” said Maria Unjuye.
