In 2021, the Foundation focused on its social work, continued its cultural project and increased its network of strategic partners
2021 was marked by the COVID-19 pandemic, which affected all levels of society. Throughout the course of the year, the Athletic Club Foundation redoubled its efforts to have an impact through its social work, particularly in those projects that most required its participation. Consequently, collaboration with Osakidetza was ongoing and, by way of example, the Foundation organised up to 19 weekly training sessions in collaboration with the Bizkaia Mental Health Network (RSMB). The Foundation is currently working on 26 social projects. Three of these are new: Berriztu is dedicated to minors at risk of social exclusion; Fidias is dedicated to integration and interpersonal development through the arts; and lastly there is IMQ Amsa, where the Foundation contributes to the therapeutic programme that the IMQ Amsa Day Hospital provides for users suffering from eating disorders and dual pathology.
Cultural project
The Foundation also continued with its cultural project in 2021 and successfully held the Thinking, Letrak eta Futbola festival. Participants included the likes of Juan Villoro, Marcel Beltrán, Jose Angel Iribar, Ainhoa Tirapu, Patxi Gaztelumendi, Antonio Pacheco (Pach), Santi García and Zuhaitz Gurrutxaga. In addition, at the opening of the festival, the audience that packed the Sala BBK had the privilege of attending a small, historic and unforgettable concert. The group Orsai, a sextet made up of Athletic players De Marcos, Balenziaga, Lekue, Villalibre, Vesga and Dani García, put the icing on the cake for the inauguration with a surprise performance in which they played three songs, including their hit One Club Men.
Furthermore, the Foundation carried on its campaign to promote reading and organised Reading Clubs on the book “Ser Williams” in which Carlos Gurpegui and Gorka Iraizoz took part, as well as the author Igor Porset.
The exhibition “Beste aldea” deserves a special mention. These photographs by Ernesto Valverde were on display in the exhibition hall of the Ensanche Market in Bilbao from September 15 to October 28.
Continued growth
Also noteworthy in 2021 was the increase in the number of collaborations that the Foundation entered into with strategic agents. On the one hand, there were collaborations with third social sector organisations in the Basque Country, and on the other with new companies and institutions. Specifically, nine city and town councils are now part of the Foundation’s project: Bilbao, Getxo, Derio, Loiu, Güeñes, Alonsotegi, Erandio, Trapagaran and Abanto Zierbena. Synergies and working together with a commitment to deliver on the 17 SDGs set by the UN in order to eradicate poverty, protect the planet and ensure prosperity for everyone as part of a new sustainable development agenda.
