Canastas Contra el Cáncer Infantil: Basketball Clubs Unite to Fight Childhood Cancer

This weekend, thousands of basketball players across Spain will take to the court with a purpose extending beyond the game itself. They are participating in “Canastas Contra el Cáncer Infantil” (Baskets Against Childhood Cancer), an initiative spearheaded by the Fundación Unoentrecienmil to raise funds for research and support for children battling cancer.

A National Effort

The fourth annual event, scheduled for February 14th and 15th, unites hundreds of sports clubs and is officially backed by the Spanish Basketball Federation and numerous regional federations. Approximately 1,600 minors are diagnosed with cancer each year in Spain, making this fundraising effort critically important.

Personal Stories Fuel the Drive

This year’s campaign features 14-year-old Elena, a basketball player currently undergoing treatment for leukemia. Elena’s story highlights the positive impact of sport, even during challenging times. She’s continuing her training at the Aceleradora Unoentrecienmil at Hospital La Paz in Madrid, stating, “I thought I wasn’t going to find moments of happiness during this process but I have. And I’m clear: I am more than cancer.”

Did You Know? Since 2012, the Fundación Unoentrecienmil has invested 9,000,000 euros into over 15 research projects focused on childhood leukemia.

High-Profile Support

Elena and another young patient, Álvaro, are being supported by a group of prominent figures from the sports world. These “padrinos” (sponsors) include Joan Capdevilla, a 2010 World Cup champion in football; Virginia Torrecilla, a former national team football player and cancer survivor; Juana Camilión and Gracia Alonso, silver medalists in 3×3 basketball at the Paris Olympics; Dani Stix, a leading wheelchair basketball player; and Javier Beirán, a 2019 World Cup champion in basketball.

How it Works

The core concept of “Canastas Contra el Cáncer Infantil” is simple: for every point scored in participating basketball games, one euro will be donated to the cause. In 2025, the initiative raised over 226,000 euros with the participation of 407 clubs across Spain. Funds are directed towards the Aceleradora Unoentrecienmil, a research program at Hospital La Paz investigating the benefits of exercise during cancer treatment.

Expert Insight: This initiative demonstrates the growing recognition of the holistic benefits of sport, extending beyond physical fitness to encompass mental and emotional well-being, particularly for those facing serious health challenges. The focus on research into exercise as part of treatment represents a potentially significant shift in care protocols.

The Fundación Unoentrecienmil has long championed the role of sport in raising awareness and driving social change. Studies conducted by the foundation have shown that adapted physical exercise can strengthen the immune system in children with cancer and reduce hospitalization times by 17%.

Getting Involved

Sports clubs interested in participating can register through the form on the Unoentrecienmil website. The foundation encourages all participating clubs to embrace the challenge of converting points into donations.

Frequently Asked Questions

What type of cancer does Unoentrecienmil primarily focus on?

The Fundación Unoentrecienmil is focused exclusively on finding a full cure for childhood leukemia, the most common cancer in children.

Where is the Aceleradora Unoentrecienmil research program located?

The Aceleradora Unoentrecienmil research program is located at Hospital La Paz in Madrid.

Who are some of the collaborating organizations for this initiative?

Collaborators include the Asociación Española de Entrenadores de Baloncesto, Diario AS, Grupo Prisa, Gigantes, JG Basket, Swish, Escuelas Católicas de Madrid, Fundación Baloncesto Colegial, Endesa, ACB, Gesdeportiva, Probasketlab and Wibo.

As “Canastas Contra el Cáncer Infantil” gains momentum, what impact could this type of sports-driven fundraising have on similar health initiatives in the future?