Spain's 'Patrocinalos' Program Helps Athletes Secure Backing From Automaker Opel

Sport remains one of the sectors "most affected" by Spain's economic crisis, and due to this, athletes are "seeking alternatives to secure the financing necessary to achieve success," according to Sara Massa of EL CONFIDENCIAL. Through "Patrocinalos," the first sports crowdfunding site in Spain, there are now 43 athletes who have "received support to continue competing at the elite level from auto manufacturer Opel." The program is backed by both the Spanish Superior Sports Council (CSD) and the Spanish Olympic Committee (COE). On Tuesday, windsurfer Blanca Manchón, swimmer Erika Villaécija, Paralympic skier Jon Santacana -- as well as his guide Miguel Galindo -- and beach volleyball players Liliana Fernández and Elsa Baquerizo joined the group of athletes sponsored by Opel. Santacana and Galindo said on Tuesday, "This agreement is going to help us a lot." Galindo added, "The resources during this crisis are in short supply so this money will serve to improve our competitive level" (EL CONFIDENCIAL, 2/3).