The Solidarity for Colombia Foundation commemorated its 50th anniversary with three days of events and a tribute to Miguel Uribe Turbay and Nydia Quintero.

Bogotá was the scene of a weekend filled with music, sports, and solidarity. The Solidarity for Colombia Foundation, founded in 1975 by Nydia Quintero Turbay, commemorated its 50 years of social work with three days of activities that brought together thousands of people around hope, memory, and unity.

The events, which began on Friday, August 15, and concluded on Sunday, August 17, combined artistic presentations, spaces for entrepreneurship, and a sports day. The Solidarity Festival, held on Saturday at the Nemesio Camacho Stadium in El Campín, established itself as the centerpiece of the commemoration, with nearly 20,000 people in attendance.

There, the foundation paid tribute to the memory of Miguel Uribe Turbay, who passed away a week ago, and to his grandmother Nydia Quintero , who died on June 30 and who, during her lifetime, promoted the creation of the institution that, in five decades, has benefited more than 5.8 million Colombians.

One of the most moving moments of the festival was the tribute to Miguel Uribe Turbay. Cali-born singer Andrea Botero performed the song Vuela Miguel, a special version of the song she had written after the attack that ultimately resulted in the political leader's death, originally titled Fuerza Miguel. "A round of applause from heaven," Botero said before beginning the performance, while the audience stood and respectfully accompanied her.

His father, Miguel Uribe Londoño, and his sister, María Carolina Hoyos, president of the foundation, were present at the tribute . In a message, Hoyos highlighted Miguel's commitment to social causes: "Although it pains us deeply, it gives us hope through solidarity for Miguel's life and the memory he leaves behind."

She also recalled that her brother actively participated in the institution's initiatives. "Miguel was a living part of this work: he created reading clubs in Patio Bonito, he ran alongside us in the Solidarity Race last year, always with his heart set on transforming lives. Today, Miguel is gone physically, but his example, his determination, and his commitment will always be present in every step we take," she noted.

The commemoration also included a tribute to Nydia Quintero Turbay, founder of the organization and its leader for several decades. Her work was recognized with massive applause from those in attendance, who highlighted her legacy in education, health, nutrition, and community development.

Today Miguel is not physically here, but his example, his determination and his commitment will always be present in every step we take.

In five decades, Solidarity for Colombia has awarded more than 14,000 university scholarships, supported 21,000 seniors, and strengthened more than 365,000 families through social intervention programs.

The Solidarity Festival was not only a space for remembrance, but also a cultural celebration. The event, which lasted more than nine hours, featured performances by national artists such as Pipe Bueno, Martina La Peligrosa, La 33, Pasabordo, Hombres a la Plancha, Nico Hernández, Laura Maré, and Andrea Botero.

At the same time, the Solidarity Fair was held, bringing together more than 30 social and community-based ventures. Attendees learned about grassroots economy initiatives that seek to strengthen the self-sufficiency of vulnerable communities and are part of the foundation's work to generate sustainable opportunities.

The commemorative agenda began on Friday, August 15, with the official opening of the fair, which featured social innovation projects and entrepreneurships led by foundation beneficiaries. The festival took place at El Campín on Saturday, August 16, and concluded on Sunday, August 17, with the third edition of the Solidarity Race, which doubled its attendance this year and brought together 4,000 runners on a route that started and finished at the stadium.

“Today we ran the Solidarity Race, which celebrates its third edition and 50 years since the Solidarity Walk began. Sport and social commitment come together to provide thousands of people with access to education, health, nutrition, and innovation programs,” said Daniel García Cañón, director of the District Institute of Recreation and Sport (IDRD).

As part of the celebration, the foundation presented an overview of its five decades of operations. According to its figures, more than 1.4 million people have been served in health and nutrition programs, 400,000 children have participated in educational projects, and more than 3,000 families have received support to strengthen their productive initiatives.

María Carolina Hoyos stated that the anniversary not only seeks to commemorate the past, but also to project the institution's future: "Through solidarity, we continue to believe in life, in love, and in a country where peace is possible for all. The legacy of my mother and my brother commits us to continue working with the same conviction."

With these three days of activities, the Solidarity for Colombia Foundation closed its 50th anniversary celebration by sending a message of civic unity. The music festival, entrepreneurship fair, and athletic race were presented as part of a comprehensive strategy to reaffirm the relevance of solidarity as a collective value amid the social and political challenges facing the country.

The anniversary resulted in a tribute to two central figures in the organization's history, a balance of social impact, and a massive turnout that confirmed public support for the foundation's work.

Environment and Health Journalist