Photos: Sergio Betancort
Surrounded by the players of Orientación Marítima. This is how Miguel Gopar Villalba "Guelo" was received last Saturday, in the tribute paid to him by Canarian football for a lifetime dedicated to this sport. With tears in his eyes, Guelo received the affection of all his relatives, on a day that he will not easily forget.
Miguel Gopar Villalba has been linked to Orientación Marítima since its foundation as a player and has presided over the La Destila team since 1989. A lifetime dedicated to the world of sports and especially to the world of sports. Among his greatest challenges, the promotion of grassroots football and the creation of the Orientación Marítima School was key during his mandate.
The tribute events began on Saturday afternoon at the Ciudad Deportiva Lanzarote. The members of all the Orientación Marítima teams paraded across the field and prepared to receive the president. Once formed, Miguel Gopar was received with a great applause and went to the center of the field.
Most of the clubs on the island of Lanzarote did not want to miss the event and all of them gave their distinctions to the president of Orientación Marítima. Not only the teams from Lanzarote joined the tribute, but also several teams from the Canary Islands joined the event. This was the case of Huracán, a team that sent a letter to the president, proposing Guelo's candidacy for the Canary Islands Sports Award.
In sports terms, the most important players on the Canarian scene did not miss the event. A combined team of Canarian players from the First and Second Division faced a combined team from all eras of Marítima. Among the attendees, it is worth mentioning the participation of Juan Carlos Valerón and Manuel Pablo from Deportivo de la Coruña, Momo from CD Xerez, Jonathan Sesma from Real Valladolid or Cristo Marrero from CD Tenerife, among others.
In sports terms, the combined team of Canarian players won by 1 to 5, although in this type of event the result is the least important thing. The attending public enjoyed the quality of many of the players and an afternoon full of football.
More recognitions at the Farmer's Monument
The tribute events to Miguel Gopar Villalba "Guelo" continued on Saturday night, at a dinner organized at the Farmer's Monument, and attended by more than 300 people. Many surprises were prepared and once again moved the president of Orientación Marítima.
One of the most emotional moments of the night came when Miguel Gopar's wife and daughters were called to the stage. They also received affection in this tribute and were presented with a bouquet of flowers. One of the daughters, Paula Gopar, recounted what her father's life has been like and the passion he has always had for the world of football.
Once again, the football teams joined in the distinctions awarded. In this way, teams such as Levante, Real Mallorca, CD Tenerife presented their shirts signed by all the members of the squad. And even Real Madrid and FC Barcelona sent the jersey to the president of Marítima.
The Inter-Island Football Federation of Las Palmas and the Spanish Football Federation were also present at the event, through the figure of Antonio Suárez. The president of the Inter-Island Football Federation of Las Palmas made a simile of the years he has been at the head of the Federation, which are the same as Miguel Gopar has been at the head of Marítima. Suárez gave a Spanish National Team shirt signed by all the players and where Guelo's name could be read.
The last surprise of the night was prepared by the directors of Orientación Marítima. Miguel Gopar "Guelo" received one of the club's greatest distinctions, such as the gold badge of Orientación Marítima. An insignia that will surely always be on the lapel of his jacket.
An emotional day in which Miguel Gopar Villalba received a well-deserved tribute for his dedication to the world of football. A lifetime loving the colors of Orientación Marítima
