“Itaka se Mueve” in Valencia Celebrates the Network’s 25th Anniversary and LLum’s 15th Anniversary in Malvarrosa

More than 200 people participated last Saturday in Itaka se Mueve, which this year reached its 14th edition at the Escuelas Pías Malvarrosa school, maintaining its festive spirit, paellas, and great atmosphere, but with new additions such as musical bingo, which brought the day to a close after a day spent with friends connected to Itaka-Escolapios in Valencia. And for good reason, since we were also celebrating the Network’s 25th anniversary and the 15th anniversary of the Llum en Malvarrosa project.

This year we had the collaboration of CD Alameda and CD Escolapios, who kicked off the morning with basketball and soccer tryouts for kids and adults, not to mention the padel tournament—now in its third year—where 12 pairs competed for the coveted winner’s medal.

The children also had a space to paint leaves that helped our anniversary pencil-tree grow and fill it with color—after all, “25 years spreading roots” deserved it.

As we’ve already mentioned, there was no shortage of paellas, and this year the jury highlighted their high quality and flavor, though the group “Los del parque” took home first prize. Nor was there any shortage of the traditional flea market, with donations from Alehop, Zuru Juguetes, and CopiValencia, as well as other companies, professionals, and individuals who wanted to contribute (thank you to all of them). As always, all proceeds will go toward this year’s solidarity campaign and the support of the Network’s projects in the 22 countries where Itaka-Escolapios is present.

And after sampling some delicious desserts prepared by the school’s vocational training students, it was time for the raffle, with many prizes, and the musical bingo. We also had the opportunity to thank all attendees for their participation and to hear from the young people who have been part of the Llum project, as they shared what it has meant to them.

It was a perfect day where everything came together so we could have a great time. We would like to thank, once again, all the individuals and companies that collaborated: First and foremost, the Escolapios Malvarrosa School and its administrative team, led by the school’s founder, Vicente Climent, and the principal, Antonio Moya; the school’s ACPA for their donation to the event; the Valencia Tennis Center for providing the courts for the paddle tennis tournament; Álvaro Zaragoza for organizing the event; to Enrique Camp and his company Perfildur, for the firewood he provides us every year for the paellas; to Ale-Hop, Zuru Toys, and CopiValencia; to the students and vocational cooking teachers at the school; to all the volunteers who prepared everything and worked tirelessly all day long; and finally, to everyone who came and enjoyed this new edition of Itaka se Mueve.

Thank you, and see you next year!