The Town Hall Square of Cartagena was the centre of attention over the weekend during the 6th edition of the “Autism We Are All” Solidarity Route, a five-kilometre walk that brought together hundreds of residents and visitors in support of neighbours with autism, under the slogan “Because every step counts.” The initiative aims to promote the inclusion of people on the autism spectrum, and has become a standout solidarity and charity event in the municipality.

Cartagena unites in solidarity with friends and neighbours

More than 2,000 people participated in the march, showcasing a strong sense of community support and camaraderie. The event, considered a family and community initiative, takes another step towards raising awareness about this developmental condition, and this year’s edition also had a strong charitable aspect.

Municipality to launch a specialised employment centre for neighbours on the spectrum

The funds raised from the event will be used towards the launch of a Special Employment Centre, according to Cartagena officials. The centre will house specific training programmes for people on the autism spectrum, allowing them more ease of finding work in the municipality. The training at the centre will allow friends and neighbours on the autism spectrum to attain more autonomy and dignity, while receiving support and guidance from officials.

An idyllic walk through Cartagena’s iconic old town

The route passed through some of the most emblematic and iconic points of Cartagena’s historic centre and included a stop in Torres Park, standing out for its family atmosphere, community camaraderie, and sense of togetherness in solidarity with neighbours on the autism spectrum.

With this measure, the Cartagena City Council continues to establish a close collaboration with associations like Autism We Are All, also known as AMUDEF. This further implements cognitive and sensory accessibility measures in all areas of the municipality, not only ensuring that individual residents have freedom, autonomy, and are prepared for challenges ahead, but also ensuring that Cartagena remains a city for everyone.

Emergency services were quick on their feet to rescue a woman trapped in the mountains of Las Casicas, a village in the municipality of Fortuna. The woman, a climber, was successfully rescued after being trapped at a height of 30 metres.

A rope rescue, carried out in record time

First responders received a 112 Emergency Coordination Centre alert at 6:50pm, detailing that a climber had gotten stuck on her rope during a descent and could not come down on her own. After receiving the call, officials jumped into action to rescue her, deploying a helicopter from the General Directorate of Citizen Security and Emergencies, with firefighters and rescuers from the Fire and Rescue Consortium of the Region of Murcia on board.

When the rescue team arrived, they found the woman suspended on the rock face some 30 metres high, having gotten stuck while she was rappelling down the side. From the top of the rock, specialists carried out an intervention and were able to descend to the trapped climber to assist her and ensure a safe descent.

Overall, the rescue was speedy and successful, and the climber was lowered back down to safety in good condition, with no need for medical intervention after the incident.

Another incident shows the speedy response of Murcia Emergency Services

Earlier this month, on Saturday, April 11, emergency services also acted quickly to rescue another hiker, this time in the Sierra Espuña mountain range of the Region of Murcia. The hiker, a 52-year-old man, had suffered a fall that caused a knee injury, and also required a helicopter to bring him to safety.

In this case, the hiker himself had been able to contact emergency services and inform them that he was no longer able to walk. The incidents highlight the importance of having communication when carrying out recreational sports in the Region of Murcia, including climbing.

The quick rescue and treatment of the injured man, as well as the trapped hiker, is yet another example of Murcia’s emergency responders leaping into action to ensure residents’ safety and carry out quick interventions.

The heir presumptive to the Spanish throne, Princess Leonor of Asturias, surprised the attendees of the Inter-University Regatta, held in Santiago de la Ribera, by presenting as part of the AGAE (Air Force and Space Academy) team. The princess, as the eldest daughter of King Felipe VI and Queen Letizia, is currently in the final stage of her aeronautical training at the General Air and Space Academy, and received the silver medal presented to her and her classmates at the event.

The Regatta was won by the University of Murcia, followed by AGAE, UCAM, the Polytechnic University of Cartagena, and the Rey Juan Carlos University of Madrid.

Princess Leonor of Asturias: Hardworking, studious, and ‘one of us’ in the hearts of all Murcians

Recently, the Royal Household announced that the princess will be studying Political Science at the Universidad Carlos III de Madrid from the next academic year as part of a four-year undergraduate degree.

Earlier this year, Princess Leonor received an institutional honour from the region: the Gold Medal of the Region of Murcia. It is the highest honour available in the region. The heir presumptive to the Spanish throne was welcomed in San Javier, Murcia during her military training at the Air Force and Space Academy. Since her time in military training, the heir presumptive to the Spanish throne has been considered a true Murcian at heart, and her admiration for the region and the whole of the Costa Calida has filled local residents with pride.

San Javier’s weekend of regattas

Additionally, another regatta took place on the following Sunday morning, wherein ten teams from the Armed Forces, Security Forces, Local Police, Emergency Services, and Murcia Firefighters competed in Dragon Boat races. During this regatta, AGAE took home the gold, followed by Murcia Firefighters, the Guardia Civil, and the San Javier Local Police, who finished in fourth place.