The Axarquia coastline saw outstanding success of Imparables contra la ELA this weekend, with scores of residents and families joining forces in Torre del Mar for a 24-hour charity marathon that raised awareness and vital support for those affected by the condition. Participants enjoyed sports, music and heartfelt moments while contributing to research and resources. Many expats joined in with the inclusive atmosphere that welcomed everyone regardless of fitness level.

Diverse activities keep energy high throughout the weekend

Organisers delivered over 25 sporting and musical events without pause from Saturday, June 20, at midday until Sunday at the same time. A 200-kilometre cycling route through Axarquia kicked off proceedings early on Saturday, followed by taekwondo displays. Crowds then enjoyed beach volleyball tournaments, indoor football matches, basketball games, CrossFit sessions, roller skating, rowing and swimming challenges. Live concerts added rhythm and enjoyment for all ages. Most activities remained free, although some required advance registration for smooth running.

Emotional highlights bring participants together

Saturday evening at 8pm delivered a moving manifesto reading led by Miguel Angel Roldan and other people living with the condition. Their call for more funding, medical research and official recognition resonated deeply with the audience. Families and supporters listened intently as speakers shared personal experiences and hopes for progress.

A massive pink tide creates an unforgettable finale

Sunday morning from 11.30am saw the grand pink wave form near the Torre del Mar nautical club. Participants and locals gathered to cheer affected individuals as they crossed the finish line together. Many expats wore the signature pink t-shirts and walked alongside families to show solidarity. No athletic ability was needed to take part, only a willingness to support the cause through presence and small purchases.

Amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS), or ELA in Spanish, also known as motor neurone disease, is a progressive neurological condition that attacks nerve cells in the brain and spinal cord. This leads to gradual loss of muscle function, affecting movement, speech, swallowing and eventually breathing. Currently incurable, the disease requires greater research funding and support services to improve quality of life for those affected.

This community-driven initiative strengthened bonds among Axarquia residents and provided practical help for ALS families. Local expat groups noted increased visibility for the condition and fresh motivation to continue fundraising efforts. The success of the event encourages similar future gatherings that bring people together for meaningful change.

Residents and visitors in Calahonda are preparing for a full day of sport, food, and music as the Sitio de Calahonda Urbanisation, managed by the E.U.C., hosts its annual “Día de Sitio de Calahonda” celebration on Saturday, June 27 2026.

Golf tournament kicks off proceedings

The day starts in the morning with a golf tournament at La Siesta Golf Club, beginning with a shotgun start (where all players begin play simultaneously from different holes around the course, rather than teeing off one after another from the first hole) at 9:30am, following a meeting at the club at 8:45am. The competition follows an 18-9 hole individual Stableford format (a scoring system where players earn points based on their score relative to par on each hole, rather than simply counting total strokes, with the highest points total winning), with trophies awarded for male and female winners (1st and 2nd place), as well as closest-to-the-pin prizes for both ladies and gentlemen.

How to register for the La Siesta Golf Tournament

Registration costs €25 for non-members and €15 for La Siesta members, and includes a drink and tapas at the awards ceremony, held afterwards at the club’s driving range. Those interested in taking part can register by calling La Siesta Golf on 952 93 33 62 or Chris on 696 364 323, between 9am and 6pm.

Family fun and children’s games at Parque de Calahonda

In the evening, festivities move into Parque de Calahonda, where a food and drinks bar will open from 7pm with children’s games and competitions, giving families plenty to enjoy.

Live music and Verbena Festival to close out the celebration

The celebration builds toward 9:30pm, when the popular “Verbena” festival begins, featuring live music from well-loved local band “Black Betties”, continuing late into the night.

A fun filled day of sport, culture, and community

Organisers describe the event as a chance to bring together sport, community spirit, and public participation, with this year’s celebration once again offering residents and visitors a mix of sporting, cultural, and leisure activities to enjoy together.

Where to find further information

For golf tournament registration, contact La Siesta Golf on 952 93 33 62 or Chris on 696 364 323. For further details on the wider Día de Sitio de Calahonda celebrations, residents can get in touch with the Sitio de Calahonda E.U.C. (Entidad Urbanística Colaboradora) directly.

Málaga CF have secured their return to La Liga’s first division after a dramatic 2–1 victory over UD Almería, ending an eight-year absence from Spain’s top flight and sparking emotional celebrations among players and supporters.

Goals from Chupe and David Larrubia sealed the win at the UD Almería Stadium, confirming promotion and completing a long and difficult return journey to the Primera División.

A night of tension, goals and shifting momentum

The decisive clash was finely balanced in the early stages, with neither side fully taking control in a match that carried significant pressure for both clubs. After a tight opening period, Málaga broke the deadlock in the 64th minute when Chupe finished a well-worked move, giving his side a crucial advantage in a game where margins were minimal.

Just six minutes later, Málaga doubled their lead. David Larrubia struck in the 70th minute, finishing another key attacking sequence and sending travelling supporters into celebration as promotion moved within touching distance. Almería responded quickly. In the 75th minute, Leo Baptistao pulled one back, reigniting tension and forcing Málaga into a long defensive final phase.

As the match came to a close, Almería pushed forward in search of an equaliser, but things got more chaotic when Thalys and, later, Ramón Enríquez for Málaga were both shown red cards in stoppage time, leaving each side with ten men as Málaga held firm under pressure.

Eight years of rebuilding finally rewarded

Málaga’s return to La Liga comes after eight seasons away from the top division following relegation and a prolonged period of instability both on and off the pitch. At various points, the club appeared to be drifting further from elite football, before a structured rebuild began to take shape under former head coach Sergio Pellicer, who focused on stabilising the squad and introducing younger players into the first-team environment.

That long-term approach helped form the base of the current squad, which has grown together across multiple seasons rather than being rebuilt in short cycles.

A project completed under Juan Francisco Funes

The promotion campaign itself has been overseen by current head coach Juan Francisco Funes, who has guided the team through a season built on consistency, discipline and development of that young core.

Rather than dramatic reinvention, Málaga’s success has come from continuity, refining an existing structure and maximising a squad that has matured together over time. That balance ultimately proved decisive in securing promotion in a tightly contested campaign.

La Rosaleda returns to La Liga football

For supporters, the most immediate impact of promotion is the return of La Liga football to La Rosaleda, which will once again host Spain’s biggest clubs after years outside the top flight.

The stadium is expected to regain the atmosphere and intensity associated with top-tier football, with renewed attention on matchdays and a significant rise in expectations.

A new chapter begins

With promotion now confirmed, Málaga turn their focus to preparation for life back in La Liga, where the level of competition will increase significantly. Recruitment, squad depth and adaptation will be central to their planning in the coming weeks as the club looks to establish itself once again among Spain’s elite.

For now, though, the focus remains on the achievement itself. After eight years away, Málaga are back in La Liga, earned through a season defined by hard work, patience, structure and a decisive night in Almería.