The Suel football field will host the IV Juan Soto ‘El Chope’ Memorial on Sunday, September 6th. This sporting encounter will bring together the gypsy community, members of the Civil Guard, and the National Police.
The initiative, presented by the Councilor for Sports, Julio Rodríguez, and Francisco Soto representing the gypsy community and the family, aims to keep Juan Soto's memory alive, promote integration, and use sport as a tool against racism and stereotypes.
Julio Rodríguez expressed his satisfaction with the memorial's continuation, highlighting its significance for Fuengirola and for those who knew Juan Soto's commitment to integration. "Sport once again serves as a meeting point for three groups for a day of coexistence, respect, and camaraderie," he stated.
The councilor recalled that the Juan Soto ‘El Chope’ Memorial was born as an anti-racism initiative and, after being revived in 2024, has become a fixture in the city's sports calendar. "We want this tradition to continue so that new generations also learn about Juan Soto and the values he defended," he added.
The involvement of the Civil Guard, the National Police, and the gypsy community in the organization was highlighted, with thanks extended for their collaboration in making the match possible in Fuengirola.
Francisco Soto, for his part, emphasized the continuity of the initiative, noting that "this memorial is much more than a football match. It is an opportunity to meet and continue transmitting values such as respect, equality, and coexistence to the younger generation."
The Juan Soto ‘El Chope’ Memorial thus revives the spirit of the matches that Juan Soto, a key promoter, championed for years. His commitment to the integration of the gypsy people, the fight against racism, and his passion for sport made these games a particularly significant event for the city.
