‘A united team is capable of facing everything’
Father Francisco Panera rallied support for UD Almería before the imminent season in the traditional floral offering to ‘Virgen del Mar’
UD Almería performed its traditional floral offering to ‘Virgen del Mar’ in an emotional and endearing act that, like last year, was carried out with restrictions due to the coronavirus pandemic. Contrary to what has been usual, instead of all the members of the different squads of the Club being present, UD Almeria was represented by the coaches and captains of the first team (Rubi, Fernando and César de la Hoz), Almeria ‘B’ (Oscar Fernández and Fermín) and Almeria Women (Agustín Sánchez and Anita París). The fans were present through the president of the Almeria Supporters Federation, Mónica Ruiz.
The secretary of the board of directors, Mariano Blanco, and the president of the Foundation, Lorena García, also attended as well as former directors such as Manolo García, Luis Guillén, Onofre Díaz and Juan Carrillo, faithful to this traditional floral offering.
Dominican Father Fray Francisco Panera was in charge of received the Rojiblancos representatives together with the members of the Virgen del Mar Brotherhood. In his speech, he rallied support for all the UD Almeria teams to achieve their objectives, which will not be met without sacrifice, work and effort. He also highlighted ‘a united team is capable of facing everything. You have to stick together and help each other… be understanding and become a family.’
Father Francisco welcomed UD Almería and thanked them warmly for the floral offering to the Virgen del Mar ‘which is the lighthouse that illuminates Almería city and you are part of it.’ He also stressed the importance of ‘not losing traditions.’
Francisco Panera proved to be a great supporter of the Club and he told Rubi, Fernando and César de la Hoz that ‘we’re going to win promotion this season ... we’re going to move up... what did I say?’ asked the head coach and players who grinned at him. In the same way, he told them ‘We’re going to start off on the right foot this campaign and we’re going to finish it better. We start on Monday in Cartagena. Last year we lost there, but not now because we’re going to win and earn the first three points.’ He encouraged Almeria ‘B’ and Almeria Women too.
Before the end of the act, Father Francisco pointed out ‘the doors of the Virgen del Mar church are open for UD Almería and everybody. Don’t leave your next visit until next year. There’s always time to come even for a while and spend some time with our Patroness.’