Venezuelan footballers lauded for earthquake relief efforts

The International Federation of Professional Footballers (FIFPro) has highlighted the significant contributions of Venezuelan players in the wake of devastating earthquakes that struck the nation on June 24. The union specifically commended Deyna Castellanos, Robert Garcés, and Edson Tortolero for their swift and impactful actions in assisting those affected by the magnitude 7.2 and 7.5 tremors.

FIFPro noted the widespread solidarity among athletes, mentioning Luis Díaz, James Rodríguez, and Deyna Castellanos as key figures who mobilized quickly to aid victims. The organization also acknowledged support shown after an earthquake in Colombia on August 10, with player unions in both countries organizing their own relief lines.

Deyna Castellanos shared her personal connection to the disaster, explaining that her family's home sustained damage that, while reparable, underscored the severity of the events. From her location in the United States, she focused on finding ways to contribute to relief efforts from a distance. Her role as a visible advocate for solidarity initiatives was particularly emphasized by FIFPro.

The union also detailed the direct involvement of Edson Tortolero and Robert Garcés in rescue operations, attempting to locate family members of a former teammate, Lucas Trejo. Garcés was repeatedly present in the disaster zones, offering personal assistance and leveraging his public profile to gather essential supplies like food and medicine. Other players, including Jon Aramburu, Telasco Segovia, and Tomás Rincón, also provided aid to collection centers and affected individuals, with Rincón leading a fundraising initiative through an autographed jersey auction.