On Thursday, 3rd April, at the Alicante General University Hospital, a day filled with emotions, smiles, and unforgettable moments unfolded. A group of superheroes, accompanied by National Police officers, astonished the children admitted to the paediatric oncology ward. The visit, which was intended to offer emotional support, optimism, and encouragement to children who are battling cancer on a daily basis, was a magical experience for the children, their families, and the healthcare staff.

The heroes were hailed by the children with expressions of joy and awe. The rooms were visited by characters such as Spider-Man, Batman, and Captain America, as well as police officers. They distributed gifts, exchanged embraces, and offered words of encouragement, eliciting smiles and applause with each interaction. The visitors and the juvenile patients established an immediate connection, which fostered an environment of optimism and fortitude.

These types of altruistic actions, which are encouraged by volunteer associations and law enforcement agencies, serve as an illustration of how empathy and social commitment can have a beneficial impact during challenging periods. The visit not only served to raise awareness about the reality of children facing severe illnesses but also encouraged the children.

The transformative power of hope is underscored by gestures such as these, which serve to reinforce the notion that optimism can be the most effective treatment, even on the most challenging days.

Residents of Alicante will have the opportunity to observe the arrival of three NATO ships over the weekend. These ships, two of which are from Spain and one from Turkey, will disrupt the monotony of the Mediterranean until Tuesday 8th April.

The Turkish frigate Kemalreis, the Spanish frigate Ávaro de Bazán, and the Combat Supply Ship Patiño are the three imposing vessels.

Standing NATO Group SNMG-2, which is under the command of Turkish Rear Admiral Ilker Avci, will make a halt in the city following the conclusion of one of NATO’s most significant exercises, Dynamic Mariner/FLOTEX-25, according to the Alicante Naval Command.

This visit is occurring during a rest period for the ships’ crews and to conduct the requisite logistical operations to guarantee that the units remain at sea in the upcoming months, following a series of intensive military exercises at sea.

Nevertheless, the ships are not scheduled to host open days during their visit to the city, as it is a logistical-operational and rest stopover.

The SNMG-2 multinational group is responsible for a variety of primary missions, including the following: enhancing maritime awareness, preparing for deployment to crisis zones and initiating containment efforts, conducting training and exercises to improve interoperability among NATO members, and supporting the Alliance’s deterrence and defence posture.

The NATO Allied Maritime Command (MARCOM) administers SNMG-2, which is composed of a number of naval platforms, such as frigates, destroyers, and logistics support vessels, that have been contributed by a variety of NATO member countries.

Armada in Alicante

The Port of Alicante also welcomed the arrival of the Spanish Navy’s 94-metre-long ship “Relámpago” in May 2024. The ship was there to conduct an exercise with the Guardia Civil in order to prevent a terrorist attack involving a car bomb.

The vessel was dispatched to apprehend three suspected jihadists who were operating the explosive from a fishing boat. 200 personnel, including the provincial Guardia Civil and the crew of the patrol boat deployed for the operation, were involved in MARSEC 24’s intervention.

The Navy’s Zone Surveillance Patrol Vessel “Toralla,” which is stationed in Cartagena, also participated in the exercise by simulating the fishing craft of the jihadists. Concurrently, a search for the vehicle bomb was being conducted in the Port of Alicante.

The Technical Specialist in the Deactivation of Explosive Devices (TEDAX) deactivated the device using a robot after it was identified. This allowed specialists to inspect the vehicle by causing a controlled detonation.

The Torrevieja Port car park will reopen to the public on Wednesday, April 9th, following the completion of the remodelling. It is now operational again, having undergone a complete renovation and boasting a new, modern, accessible, and effective infrastructure, following a year and a half of work. The parking lot, which is situated adjacent to the port and spans a single floor, provides a total of 640 spaces. Of these, 18 are equipped with 22 kW electric charging capabilities, 18 are designated for individuals with reduced mobility, and 2 additional spaces are available for individuals with reduced mobility and are also provided with 22 kW electric charging capabilities. It also includes an intelligent access system that utilises license plate reading to expedite user entry and departure without the necessity of tickets, thereby enhancing operational efficiency and promoting sustainability. Telpark’s objective is to fortify its backing for the region and encourage local commerce during this critical period through this early reopening.

The car park is equipped with a two-lane car entrance to enhance efficiency, and a third barrier is reserved for season ticket holders to prevent turnaround delays during the summer. Additionally, there are two lanes at the vehicle departure. Seven pedestrian entrances and one lift have been incorporated, with an additional two pedestrian entrances and four lifts to be added at a later date.

Telpark, the parking management company, has initiated a special promotion to commemorate its reopening on Wednesday, April 9th. This promotion enables users to experience the Express Ticket at a 50% discount from the base price of €1.90 until May 8th. The Express Ticket also enables users to access exclusive promotions and manage their stay swiftly through the app. The Telpark website can be accessed here https://www.empark.com/en/