More than half a thousand walkers raise their voices for autism in Torremolinos

It was challenging, but the III 'Torremolinos TEAcompaña' Solidarity Walk was successfully held this Saturday in Torremolinos. And in what a way. After having to be postponed initially due to rain, and despite the new date falling in the middle of the May bridge, the weather was favorable and more than 500 participants took to the streets to jointly confront autism. This participation sets a record for the number of participants in the event over the three editions held to date.

With the color blue as their flag and united by the cry 'Different steps, the same destination', people of all ages and conditions walked the most emblematic streets of the town of Malaga with the goal of raising awareness about autism and raising funds to provide free occupational therapies to the children of the TEAcompaño Association in the multisensory room of the Isabel Manoja Community Development Center.

The popular, accessible, and inclusive event has now become a staple in the municipal calendar of Torremolinos, a town that once again demonstrated its diversity and solidarity. The day's starting point was at the iconic Plaza de Andalucía, which the previous year had been the final destination. To this initial gathering, the mayor of Torremolinos, Margarita del Cid; and councilors Gloria Manoja and Francisco García Macías, of Social Policies, and Education and Culture respectively, along with other members of the municipal corporation, moved.

After greetings, photos, collecting the last bibs, and selling merchandise, the walkers began the urban journey with a countdown, led by a large banner: 'Torremolinos TEAcompaña'. "Less prejudice, more love, more empathy, more inclusion," another mural read. They sought, demanded, shouted, and called for visibility and inclusion for autism, a reality with which many of the participants live and struggle daily.

Deseada Tejera, president of the TEAcompaño Association, organizer of the event along with the Torremolinos City Council, focused on education aimed at the employment outcomes of adult autistics, as according to data from Autism Spain, between 76 and 90% of autistic people are unemployed: "Autism does not end in childhood and there comes a time when these young people, not children, have to do something with their lives. And families are in a very difficult moment because there is a lack of resources in educational centers and because we do not see real opportunities for labor inclusion for our young people."

Later, Cyril, from the Special Employment Center of Vivero Los Pinares, called for more participation of autistic individuals in forums: "We are not invisible." Meanwhile, Salvi, from the Al-Ándalus Sports Club, spoke about "the importance of opportunities that allow discovering talents," and the young Nasro, a member of TEAcompaño, boldly focused on the social aspect: "Don't let us fall behind because we can also reach the goal." It was the culmination of a walk that will be remembered and that ended with entertainment and live music by the speaker Gisela. Everyone danced in a family-friendly and inclusive leisure atmosphere that continued later in the Botanical Garden Molino de Inca with the 'V Awareness Days on Autism', which offered a varied program for children, youth, and adults with recreational and awareness activities.

The proceeds from the 'Torremolinos TEAcompaña' Solidarity Walk will go to fund occupational therapy sessions of the TEAcompaño Association. The project is estimated at 15,000 euros and aims to provide free service in three shifts a week to children of the association during the school year (from September to June). It will have the collaboration of a technician from the South Autism Foundation. Additionally, the activity has the collaboration of the Torremolinos City Council and the 'la Caixa' Foundation, and with the sponsorship of Aguas de Torremolinos, Martinsa Motor, Clínica Santa Elena, Restaurante Caléndula, Restaurante El Botijo, Bodegas Guerola, and Café Kuduro.

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