Clarke Student-Athlete Supports Recovery After Massive Flooding in Spain

On Tuesday, October 29, flash flooding hit Valencia, Spain and the surrounding areas with nearly unprecedented rainfall. In the following days, 219 people would lose their lives. Over a week later, almost 100 are still unaccounted for while thousands struggle without food, clean water, or electricity. Spanish officials are estimating millions of euros in property damage, and recovery efforts could take months.  

Thousands of miles away, Clarke University first-year student Alvaro Martinez could only watch as the devastation spread across his hometown.  

“For a week I couldn’t talk to any of my friends or my family because all the connections were down,” Alvaro said. “I was so upset. Finally, once I knew they were safe, my mind turned to what I could do for my city and my people.” 

In time, Alvaro was able to connect with his coaches and friends at U.D. Aldaia, the town’s soccer club. The sports complex is central to the city, serving over 800 youth athletes and the thousands of family members and fans who cheer them on. Like nearly all of Aldaia, the complex had sustained heavy damage in the flooding. Both of their fields were destroyed, along with the majority of their equipment and materials.  

“That club is where I got my start. I wouldn’t be at Clarke without the support I had from my coaches and friends at U.D. Aldaia. I know how important this place is to the city and hundreds of kids,” said the Men’s Soccer midfielder. “So many of the children impacted by this flood don’t understand what has happened. The faster we can restore this club, the sooner they can have a safe, fun place to be kids again.” 

Alvaro is working alongside organizers for U.D. Aldaia to gather funds and resources to support the center and the families they serve. Learn more about their efforts by following U.D Aldaia’s story at https://gofund.me/071006fd.