LAUSR

During the opening ceremony of the ESC’s public event on 27 August 2017, the President of the Brazilian Society of Cardiology, Doctor Marcus Malachias, donated to the city of Barcelona a ‘glass plaque of peace’ following the terrible terrorist attack that occurred on 17 August at Las Ramblas. The public event took place at Arco de Triunfo in the city centre, about 5 km away from Fira Gran Via, the Congress Centre and venue for the ESC Annual Congress. The interactive public event honoured the host city. Barcelona has been the site of the ESC Congress many times before. At the opening ceremony, in addition to the presentation of the plaque by Dr Malachias, ESC President Professor Jeroen Bax, the Deputy Mayor of Barcelona, Mr Jaume Collboni, Professor Josep Brugada (Cardiovascular Institute, Hospital Clinic, University of Barcelona, Barcelona, Spain), and Spain’s Secretary General of Health and Consumption, Mr Javier Castrodeza were there to welcome the citizens of Barcelona to the event. During this ceremony, Chema Martinez, a well-known long-distance runner who has twice represented Spain at the Olympics, donated an automated external defibrillator to the Olympic stadium (Estadi Ol ımpic Llu ıs Companys) on the behalf of Philips. This was in support of an ongoing campaign to make Barcelona a ‘cardioprotected city.’ The event is a great opportunity for adults, teenagers, families, and children to enjoy time together while being educated about health. Those attending were able to join workshops on using defibrillators, be surprised by an original and astonishing flashmob performance, enjoy healthy cooking and discover many other interesting and fun activities. Moreover, many renowned ESC partners supported this event such as the FC Barcelona football club, the Spanish Society of Cardiology, the Spanish Heart Foundation, and the Brugada Foundation. The ESC is proud to have them by its side!