Spain has just survived the devastating floods, causing much destruction and heartbreak left in its wake, primarily in Valencia. Amongst the victims of these floods was 28-year-old footballer José Castillejo, who came from Valencia’s well-respected youth academy. The sad news of Castillejo’s death was announced at a time when Valencia was preparing for more heavy downpour after the worst flood experienced by this region.
Players like José Castillejo, who had careers for several clubs in Spain and played for Eldense, Buñol, Recambios Colón, CD Roda, Torre Levante, and Vilamarxant among other clubs, were mourned by the fans and football clubs across Spain. The Valencia CF and Eldense clubs sent their condolence to his family and supporters as a tribute to him for his commitment to football. His death is the most potent personal loss that the historical floods brought, killing hundreds, destroying communities, and leaving thousands of lives in shambles.
Reflashing of this Spanish tragedy would be apt to point out that besides the young José Castillejo there was also the great jurist and educator José Castillejo Duarte whose legacy helped shape Spanish society into things that continue to be felt until today. Castillejo Duarte was born in 1877. This historian of the University of Madrid lectured on Roman Law as professor. He was also a secretary of the Junta para Ampliación de Estudios e Investigaciones Científicas and advocated educational reform, to be sure, very similar to the Institución Libre de Enseñanza movement that is dedicated to liberal, secular education. His vision played a large part in promoting educational opportunity, intellectual growth, and scientific research in Spain.
In a tragic convergence, as the nation sought the inspiration of one José Castillejo to educate and enlighten the people, a recent tragedy brought gloom to a family whose name was shared. It reminds one of how footballer José Castillejo gets lost in the minds of people amidst the floods in Valencia. And such a beacon of hope that his legacy is to José Castillejo Duarte: life goes on even after floods.
This tragedy reminds me of a bigger reflection: how sports and education touch the broader tapestry of society through its people. And while the people of Spain are crying together in misery, the life of Castillejos and the life of the pioneer educator recall each one’s own durability, cohesion, and force by which people gave all to live their passion and ideas.
