Bayer 04 Leverkusen – Family Meeting with Columbus Foundation at Viralgen Headquarters
The trip to San Sebastian was not just about sport. As part of the joint commitment of Bayer AG, Bayer 04 and, EFDN July Member of the Month, Real Sociedad, in support of the “Fundación Columbus”, visited the Viralgen headquarters last Saturday evening to talk to families of sick children before their friendly game against Real Sociedad which the White and Blues won 1-0.
Among others, Fernando Carro, CEO of Bayer Leverkusen, and Simon Rolfes, Managing Director Sport, went to a get-together with numerous children of the foundation and their families. Two children recovering from “Spastic Paralysis 50” were also present at the meeting and were especially happy about “Brian the Lion”. The Bayer 04 mascot who travelled with them left no wish unfulfilled, from photos to autographs.
In bright sunshine, the participants shared their experiences in dealing with the disease on the terrace overlooking San Sebastian. Afterwards, Viralgen CEO Jimmy Vanhove and Javier García, President of the Columbus Foundation, led those present on a tour of the facility.
Meet & Greet, Discussions & Exchanges About the Illnesses
With emotional feelings, the Bayer 04 team returned to the hotel at noon. In the afternoon, the Bayer 04 team set off for their friendly match against Real Sociedad at the Reale Arena. There were also numerous activities in the stadium surrounding the match: Argentinian midfielder Exequiel Palacios and German centre-back Jonathan Tah met children from the Foundation and the German School at a meet and greet. The two Bayer 04 players were immediately asked numerous questions and, of course, a group photo with Brian the Lion was not to be missed.
Just before kick-off, children from the Foundation accompanied the two teams onto the field as run-in children. Two children recovered from SPG50 conducted the game’s symbolic kick-off.
Aris Limassol FC Social, Environmental, and Health Initiatives
