The Costa Calida city of Cartagena has given a historic boost to its policies in aid of seniors in the municipality with the 16th edition of the Senior Citizens’ Fair, an event that brought together a total of 42 organisations in the Parque de los Juncos. The fair also represents the tripling of the budget for the aid to seniors in the last two years, and this “comprehensive and successful model of active aging” will be presented to the World Health Organisation in San Sebastian as a glowing example of how to help the more elderly residents of the municipality.

A vibrant celebration of senior citizens with everything from health checks to live performances

The 16th Senior Citizens’ Fair, which was open on Saturday, June 13 and Sunday, June 14, was a vibrant showcase of the resources available in Cartagena for the elderly population. The event featured a strong presence from local neighbourhood associations, women’s groups, senior citizens’ clubs (including those in Perin, El Albujon, Miranda, and Santa Ana), and non-profit organisations, including the Red Cross and Caritas San Diego.

During the weekend, attendees had uninterrupted access to hearing tests, blood pressure checks, blood glucose tests, and diabetes screenings. The fair’s programme, apart from these health-related initiatives, also included a fun aspect, with demonstrations and workshops, collections for charities, social events, musical performances, and active events.

Active participation to commemorate World Elder Abuse Awareness Day

Additionally, Sunday, June 14 saw a strong social focus to the fair with the commemoration of World Elder Abuse Awareness Day, which is officially observed on Monday, June 15. Cartagena observed this day with an active hike along the Senior Trail to the Castillo de la Concepcion at 11:30am, as well as a reading of the institutional manifesto to reaffirm Cartagena’s commitment to the well-being and protection of its senior citizens.

Projects to protect senior citizens in Cartagena

In total, the 42 active organisations participating in the Senior Citizens’ Fair boast more than 10,000 members across the Region of Murcia and beyond. These organisations work to prevent and combat senior loneliness, make the digital divide more manageable for seniors, help boost health initiatives, and tackle other problems that disproportionately affect the older residents of the Costa Calida.

One such project is ‘Neighbourhood Neighbour,’ an initiative created to combat unwanted loneliness and which is already operating successfully in areas including the Old Town, San Anton, and El Algar, and will soon reach Pozo Estrecho.

The Cartagena City Council, in total, has exceeded €11 million in its investment to essential services for senior citizens, including home care, respite care, telecare, and day centres.

Love to Sing choir is due to return this summer with a very special performance full of popular songs at one of the most spectacular venues in Estepona. Everyone knows these concerts as extra special occasions on the Costa del Sol calendar, and this June’s performance promises to rank as one of the largest yet. Dedicated hard work by choir members goes towards a cause close to everyone’s hearts in the area as funds raised support the Spanish Association Against Cancer in Estepona (AECC).

Choir performance supports important local cause

Choir members have put in a lot of extra hours of rehearsal to prepare this particular summer evening show. Their efforts now focus on raising money through ticket sales for the charity work of AECC Estepona. This organisation offers support services that make a real difference to patients and their relatives facing the most difficult times. Many residents and visitors look forward to these concerts each year because they combine entertainment with community support.

Evening event details in Estepona

Friday, June 19, sees the concert take place at the outstanding auditorium of Mirador del Carmen on Paseo Marítimo Pedro Manrique in Estepona. Doors open at 7pm with the performance beginning at 7.30pm. The audience can expect an enjoyable programme of well-known songs performed by the talented choir. This venue offers the best setting for the occasion with its location overlooking the sea.

Ticket prices and purchase options

Advance tickets cost a mere €8 while those bought at the door cost €10. Availability remains limited, so early booking makes sense for anyone planning to attend. People can contact Maggie directly or visit the AECC office at Calle Terraza 170 in Estepona and send an email to estepona@contraelcancer.es for details.

Tickets are also available from the Sabinillas Bookshop at Calle Bolivia 12 in Sabinillas on +34 952 89 15 45 and from The Experience Group at Bena Vista 16 in El Paraiso on +34 659 772 448.

Community benefits from choir charity event

Events like this bring people together while directing proceeds to a charity that serves the region like no other. Everyone gains a chance to enjoy music and support a good cause.

Ask most footie fans who will take the World Cup this year, and almost all of them will swear their home side will definitely take the glory, as though willing their team to win was enough to guarantee lifting the cup this year. Finding someone objective enough to predict a rank outsider having a chance is rare, but Euro Weekly News surveyed scores of fans and found some that still held on to enough objectivity to suggest some sides we shouldn’t cross off the list of hopefuls and why.

Bookies already know their favourites, and they are, of course, Spain and France at the top of the list, followed by England, Portugal, Argentina, and Brazil, who all hold the vast majority of mathematical probability. However, with 48 teams and more knockout games to come, there’s slightly more room for chaos than in past 32-team formats, but upsets still taper off after the group stage/round of 16. After all, where’s Italy this year?

A freak win requires perfect storms one after another: easy draws, star performances/injuries to opponents, penalty luck, etc., but here’s what our readers are saying about who to look out for.

Ones to watch, according to Euro Weekly News readers

Norway (FIFA ~31st, odds ~25-1 to 35-1): Erling Haaland is the ultimate X-factor. If he goes on a tear and the supporting cast (including Ødegaard) clicks, they could go far in their first WC since 1998. Norway is a high-level dark horse.

Colombia (FIFA ~13th, odds ~40-1 to 50-1): Very talented squad this year with attacking flair (e.g., Luis Díaz). Strong CONMEBOL pedigree and capable of upsetting anyone on their day.

Morocco (FIFA ~7th, odds ~35-1 after strong start): Semi-finalists in 2022, very solid squad, and recent results (e.g., drawing Brazil) have shortened their odds. Disciplined, tactically strong, and capable of knocking out bigger sides. Best non-European/South American bet for a surprise

USA (co-hosts, FIFA ~17th): Home advantage and momentum could carry them deep, though they’re more “mid-tier” than pure outsiders.

Netherlands or Germany (if you consider them outsiders relative to Spain or France): Often around 14-1 to 20-1; elite squads that could easily win it all in the right bracket.

Realistic assessment – Euro Weekly News doesn’t give betting tips

The favourites still dominate at the bookies: Spain and France, then England, Portugal, Argentina, and Brazil hold the most chances. A freak win requires perfect storms: easy draws, star performances/injuries to opponents, penalty luck, etc. But it could still happen.

Bottom line: Morocco and Norway currently offer the most compelling “freak win” profiles among clear outsiders: talent + form + upside. Japan and Colombia are next. Anything beyond that (e.g., 100-1, or more) would be one of the biggest shocks in the sport’s history. The group stage is now underway with Spain to play their opening match on June 15. So, check live results and updated odds, as things will no doubt move fast in this year’s FIFA World Cup!

Tell us who you’re backing in the comments. We might feature your picks next week!