As every year, the Penya Barcelonista de Santa Maria del Camí and the Real Madrid penya from the same town met at the Camp Municipal d’Esports Antoni Gelabert to play a friendly football match on the local holiday of Santa Maria del Camí (Mallorca). This year, the event carried a particularly emotional significance, as it was held for the first time under the name of Gabi Amengual Memorial. In this way, the entity of the Federació Illes Balears wished to pay tribute to its former president, Gabi Amengual, who passed away at the end of last December.
An emotional and well-attended tribute
In addition to the traditional match between the Barcelona and Real Madrid supporters’ teams, this 1st Gabi Amengual Memorial also included a friendly match between the women’s teams, thereby broadening participation in the event. Furthermore, the PB Santa Maria del Camí organized a collection of non-perishable food to be donated to the Food Bank, in keeping with the committed and supportive spirit that characterized Gabi Amengual. There was a moving minute of silence, and both penyes presented a commemorative plaque in memory of the honoree, which formed part of a floral offering held at the municipal cemetery.
The 1st Gabi Amengual Memorial was attended by Òscar Escoda, president of the Federació Illes Balears; Jesús del Río, president of the PB Santa Maria del Camí; and Nicolau Canyelles, mayor of Santa Maria del Camí, along with several town councillors. Also in attendance were Gabi Amengual’s relatives. Some of the guests took an active part in this traditional match, which highlights the good atmosphere between Barcelona and Real Madrid supporters in the municipality and which this year set participation records. From now on, the event will bear the name of the Gabi Amengual Memorial.
