THE DAY OF THE PEÑAS 2023 - OUR DAY
When we were officially born as an Atletico de Madrid Fan Club on April 26, we had a triumphant entrance, through the grand door, and with a red carpet. We only lacked written confirmation, and it arrived on October 8 in a manner just as spectacular as half a year ago, no less than from Don Enrique Cerezo, the President of Club Atletico de Madrid.
We departed from Germany the day before, and on Sunday, the day of the Diploma ceremony, we headed to the Metropolitano Stadium, with a little issue involving our Uber driver.
We arrived punctually at Gate 48, where some of our members were already waiting along with other fan club members who, like us, were to be honored. On this Day of the Peñas, Diplomas were awarded to fan clubs that had been in existence for 25 and 50 years, as well as those recently created like ours. The diligent Patricia welcomed us with her usual smile and guided us to the Civitas Metropolitano Auditorium, where our seats were already reserved. On the big screen, we could see photos of the honored fan clubs, and it was incredibly heartwarming to see our members there; this detail made us feel that they were also present in this very special moment.
At exactly 12 o’clock, the ceremony began with a short thank-you speech by Enrique Cerezo. Gradually, we were called to the stage to receive our diploma from his own hands. He warmly greeted us, expressed his gratitude, and I couldn’t resist hanging a scarf from our fan club on him, a gesture he greatly appreciated and thanked us for enthusiastically. After him, two great legends, Cacho Heredia and Marcelino, congratulated us. We took photos, chatted with everyone, and enjoyed some very emotional and endearing moments. It was our day! Outside, we enjoyed a festive atmosphere with a popular paella and numerous activities. The match started at 4:15 PM, and two of us were invited to a private box to watch it from there.
The experience was unforgettable, wonderful, but the best was yet to come. During the halftime break, Juan Carlos took us down to the field, and in the tunnel, we could see the players and those details that are not visible on TV. Walking onto the field was an adrenaline rush of the highest order. Our fan club’s name echoed over the loudspeakers, and we entered the center circle while the stadium, filled to the brim, applauded us. All the representatives of the honored fan clubs were there, enjoying a unique and unforgettable moment, knowing that it would be something we would always remember. The names and logos of the fan clubs appeared on the stadium’s electronic boards, the players, who had returned to the field, chatted with us, and we all would have stayed there without hesitation, but we returned to the box to watch the second half with silly smiles and hearts filled with gratitude.
No result could have been better than the victory with which we ended the match. A perfect day with a perfect result. It’s hard to put into words what I felt, but at that moment, I knew that any effort for this Atletico de Madrid Fan Club in Germany is worthwhile, for its members, its leadership, and for Atletico de Madrid.
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