Pilar de la Horadada Celebrates 40 Years of Local Sport

Pilar de la Horadada has honoured the athletes, clubs, schools, businesses and volunteers who have helped shape local sport at its 2026 Sports Gala. The event coincided with the 40th anniversary of the municipality’s creation and its designation as European Town of Sport 2026.

Held under the theme “Pilar de la Horadada: 40 Years Growing Through Sport”, the gala recognised achievements ranging from grassroots participation to high-performance competition.

Mayor José María Pérez Sánchez said sport had been part of the town’s story from the beginning, praising the contribution of athletes, clubs, schools, coaches, instructors and families.

Councillor for Sport José Antonio Martínez Delgado said more than €15 million had been invested in public sports facilities since the municipality was established. The town now has more than 2,500 registered users, over 20 sports clubs and a year-round programme of events.

He said the council hoped to build on that record by increasing the number of places available in municipal sports programmes, providing more financial support to associations and adding activities that promote health through exercise.

Young athletes Daniela de Gea Castejón, Gloria Alvarado Rosique, Lucas Gil Palau and Sofía Bondarenko Solts were recognised for their sporting promise. Awards also went to four local primary schools — CEIP María Moliner, Martín Artigot, Mediterráneo and Virgen del Pilar — for encouraging healthy habits and physical activity. Physical education teacher David Herrero Campos was also honoured.

The gala celebrated sport’s role in inclusion and community life, recognising José Antonio Moya Albaladejo for his achievements in chess, including his 2026 title as an International Correspondence Chess Master. The women’s basketball team that competed during the 1980s was also honoured for helping establish the sport locally.

Other awards recognised the careers of Daniel Belzunce Martínez, Santos Sánchez Patiño and Pedro Sánchez Castillo. Club Atletismo Horadada was praised for its “Wall of Effort” initiative, while Alberto García Moya was recognised for his work in sports facilities. Local businesses Flexa Networks, Grupo Caliche and Clínica Dental Dra. Mayte Montesinos were acknowledged for supporting sport.

José Ramón Martínez Riquelme, known as “Terry”, received the Gala’s Lifetime Achievement Award. Sports instructors and coordinators from the municipal department were also honoured for their daily work.

Representatives from other municipalities attended the event, including Jaraíz de la Vera Mayor Luis Miguel Núñez Romero and Las Gabias Sports Councillor Sebastián Pertíñez Reyes.

Closing the ceremony, Mayor Pérez Sánchez said the town’s sporting achievements were the result of collective effort and urged residents to keep building on that legacy. He also called sport “the best medicine for good health”.

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