The Torrevieja City Council receives the National Sports Award as the local entity that has contributed the most to the promotion and development of sports in Spain

The Torrevieja City Council has been awarded the Higher Sports Council (CSD) Prize, one of the National Sports Awards for 2025, as the Spanish local entity that has contributed most to the promotion of sport during that year. The decision, announced yesterday, October 15, recognizes activities that resulted in 150 sporting events, 64 training camps for teams and national selections, and 40,892 participants, along with the renovation of facilities, support for grassroots sport, and attention to sports for people with disabilities.

Torrevieja's bid was submitted by the Spanish Paralympic Committee, chaired by Alberto Durán López. Mayor Eduardo Dolón expressed his gratitude to the committee for supporting the city's efforts and, in particular, to its Director of Corporate Development and Partnerships, Alejandro Merino, for his commitment and confidence in Torrevieja.

“Receiving this National Sports Award is a tremendous source of pride for Torrevieja and a recognition of the efforts of many people. Behind every championship, every sports school, and every facility, there are clubs, athletes, families, coaches, municipal workers, and volunteers who make it possible for sport to be an integral part of life in our city,” said Eduardo Dolón.

The mayor thanked the Spanish Paralympic Committee, its president, Alberto Durán López, and especially Alejandro Merino, for their commitment to Torrevieja and the trust they placed in the city by submitting this candidacy. “This support from the Paralympic movement gives the award a very special meaning and encourages us to continue working so that everyone can participate in sports on equal terms,” he added.

Dolón extended this recognition to the Department of Sports, headed by Diana Box Alonso, and to the entire local sports community. “This award belongs to all of Torrevieja. It recognizes the work done and commits us to continue improving the facilities, supporting our clubs and athletes, and expanding opportunities for children, young people, and adults to find in sport a space for health, learning, and community,” he stated.

A YEAR WITH 150 EVENTS AND 40% MORE PARTICIPATION

The bid report shows a 25% increase in the number of events, a 30% increase in gatherings, and a 40% increase in participation compared to 2024. This activity was carried out with the support of a network of sports facilities that exceeds 400,000 square meters, intended for both citizen practice and grassroots sport, as well as training and high-level competition.

Among the major international events, the Virtus Futsal World Cup stood out, bringing together six national teams and 92 athletes and coaches. It was the first time this competition had been held in Spain and marked the return of a FEDDI World Cup to the country after seventeen years, establishing Torrevieja as the venue for one of the most important sporting events for people with intellectual disabilities.

The city also hosted the World Club Championship for Anchored Boat Fishing, with 18 teams and 90 anglers from Spain, France, Italy, Portugal, and Switzerland. These competitions were complemented by the Walking Football World Nations Cup, with women's categories starting at age 40 and men's categories ranging from 50 to over 70, incorporating active aging and international camaraderie into the sporting calendar.

In sailing, the Euromarina Optimist Trophy brought together 430 young sailors from 29 countries. Among them were 211 Spaniards from 36 clubs across eight autonomous communities, in an event that combined Torrevieja's international profile with the promotion of grassroots sports.

The International Half Marathon and 10K surpassed 2,000 registered participants, setting a new participation record. Forty percent of the participants came from abroad, and there were runners from every autonomous community in Spain. Among the registered runners were 80 people over 65 years old, and categories for people with disabilities were also included. More than 200 volunteers assisted with the organization.

The calendar also included the 13th Spanish Lifesaving Open, which incorporated the 6th European Pool Cup and the Spanish Youth, Junior, and Senior Spring Championships. Meanwhile, the Torrevieja International Cup featured men's and women's football, basketball, volleyball, and other sports, expanding the range of tournaments across different disciplines and age groups.

In June, Torrevieja co-hosted the National Medical Football Championship, which brought together more than 500 professionals, 24 teams, and representatives from 20 cities. The competition was accompanied by scientific sessions on therapeutic exercise, mental health, suicide prevention, oncology, and performance monitoring, linking sports practice with research and public health.

SPORT FOR PEOPLE WITH DISABILITIES AS A CENTRAL PART OF THE CANDIDACY

One of the highlights of the report is the FEDDI Spanish National Team Championships, which brought together more than 350 athletes from ten autonomous communities in athletics, basketball, futsal, and swimming. The possibility of holding all four events at the same accessible venue facilitated the organization and travel for the participating teams.

The Sports Palace also hosted the Spanish Paralympic Boccia Individual Club Championship, the top national competition in this sport, with the 37 highest-ranked athletes in the country, accompanied by 40 coaches. Ten playing fields were set up to meet the needs of the participants.

The Valencian Community Adapted Swimming Open completed this calendar, along with municipal support for the APANEE Adapted Sports Club and the inclusion of swimming and athletics for people with disabilities in the municipal sports program. Accessibility was also a focus of the investments, with new routes and specific equipment for wheelchair users.

In September, the Sports Fair held in Siesta Park featured the participation of more than 25 local clubs. Exhibitions, free workshops, and family activities showcased Torrevieja's wide range of sporting activities to the public and highlighted the work of its organizations.

NEW FACILITIES AND 540,000 EUROS IN SUPPORT FOR THE SPORTS SECTOR

The activities in 2025 included investments in facilities. The renovation of the racquet sports area at the Sports Complex, with seven padel courts, two frontenis courts, and new facilities, amounted to €1,078,848. Combined with the complete renovation of the Nelson Mandela multi-purpose field, the total investment reached €2,752,000.

The María Jesús Viuda multi-sports pavilion was also inaugurated, representing an investment of nearly €1.5 million and offering spaces for rhythmic gymnastics, climbing, judo, group fitness classes, and children's psychomotor skills development. This was complemented by the Torreta Florida sports complex, featuring a skatepark and calisthenics area, with an investment of approximately €700,000, and the presentation of the first phase of the Aguas Nuevas multi-purpose park, funded with over €1.2 million.

The Torrevieja City Council invested 366,137 euros to renovate the gyms at the Sports City and the La Mata Pavilion, with more than thirty machines, new technical flooring and specific equipment for wheelchair users.

Direct support for local sports totaled €540,000: €400,000 for 30 clubs, €65,000 in scholarships for 85 athletes across eleven sports, and €75,000 for organizing events and activities. This funding supported both competitive sports and healthy, community-oriented, and charitable sports initiatives.

The Higher Sports Council Award places the Torrevieja City Council among the winners of this year's National Sports Awards, which also recognize Marc Márquez and Iris Tió as the best athletes of 2025. The presentation of these awards, established in 1982 and considered among the highest distinctions in the State in the field of sports, is scheduled for a solemn ceremony presided over by Their Majesties King Felipe and Queen Letizia.