Some of the biggest names in sport and entertainment came together against ALS and multiple sclerosis in the latest edition of the ‘Battle of the Stars’ last week.
The three-day event, which was once again staged at Mallorca’s Pula Golf Resort and Son Servera Golf Club, was won by former FC Barcelona football director and RCD Mallorca president Matheu Alemany - but victory was secondary to the money raised for both causes.
Football icons including Gabriel Batistuta, John Arne Riise, Marcos Alonso, Alain Boghossain, Uli Stielke and more teed off across two days of spirited competition, with many contestants returning from years past.
Fittingly for a Spanish event, a strong contingent of LaLiga EA Sports legends was in attendance, including Miguel Ángel Nadal, Bernd Schuster, Albert Riera, Manu Trigueros and former Liverpool goalkeeper Pepe Reina, while prolific ex-striker Julio Salinas came in second place. Former AC Milan stars Mauro Tassotti, Roberto Donadoni and Stefano Nava flew the flag for Italy.
Away from the sporting world, stars including defending champion and musician David Otero, bullfighter Pepín Liria and actress Verónica Mengod stepped up to the tee – as did Danish businessman Flemming Østergaard, former chairman of the company that owns FC Copenhagen.
While the golf provided endless entertainment, the Battle of Stars’ true purpose was never far from the spotlight. This year, the event was in support of the fight against two conditions that affect millions of people worldwide: ALS - which stands for Amyotrophic lateral sclerosis - and multiple sclerosis.
One special guest was former footballer and manager – and FC Sevilla legend - Juan Carlos Unzué, who announced in June 2020 that he had been diagnosed with ALS. Speaking at the event, Carlos Unzué highlighted the power of sport and its stars as a voice to raise awareness in the battle against both diseases.
“All public demonstrations can help if they make you think,” said Carlos Unzué. “When we look in the mirror, we cannot deceive ourselves. If we have a clear conscience, we will be happy with ourselves.”
“I have always believed in people, but now I am experiencing it on a very high level. It’s a great capacity that people have to adapt and overcome very complicated situations.”
It wasn’t just famous faces enjoying the two championship courses, with a visit from the users of the Sa Riera Occupational Centre, a mental health centre in Palma, on Thursday. The users took part in a clinic by Pula Golf Academy and took photos with the participating stars, also showing their support by delivering products they had built in the centre’s workshops for people with ALS and multiple sclerosis. On Friday, a number of people with ALS visited Son Servera to watch the action unfold.
Arnau Sala, general manager at Pula Golf Resort, said: “Developing the Battle of Stars is something we are extremely proud of at Pula and hosting the event alongside Son Servera is always one of the highlights of our year.
“Of course, thanks must go to the stars, but also to the teams at both venues and everyone who supported the event and made it such a success.
“It’s important not to forget that we are doing this to raise money and awareness in the fight against ALS and multiple sclerosis, in the hope that we can help make a difference that will one day change millions of lives.”
Sponsorship was provided by tournament Mallorca’s Cap Vermell Grand Hotel, Banco Santander, the Fundació Mallorca Turisme and estate agent Inmobiliaria Sa Coma.
Before the Battle of Stars brought global celebrities to Pula Golf Resort, it was a happy hunting ground for some of the world’s finest golfers. The José María Olazábal-designed course is a seven-time host on the DP World Tour and has been graced by the likes of Henrik Stenson, Sergio García and Paul McGinley. The resort also boasts 31 rooms and suites for guests, extensive practice facilities and the rustic S’Era de Pula restaurant.