The Barbastro Sports Gala 2025 was held on Thursday, March 27, 2025, at the Congress Center in Barbastro, celebrating the achievements of local athletes and sports figures. Organized by the Barbastro City Council through its Department of Sports, the event distributed a total of 18 awards recognizing judges, technicians, sponsors, individual athletes, and teams across various categories.
This year’s gala featured former basketball player Fernando Romay as a special guest. Romay, who has a storied career including being an Olympic runner-up in 1984, shared insights from his life and sports journey, encouraging young attendees to embrace physical activity over video games. "Playing FIFA or NBA is fun, but nothing compares to the thrill of making a basket in a game. Life is for living, and sports are meant to be experienced," he emphasized.
During the ceremony, awards were presented in several categories. Marina Mata was honored as the best female athlete of the past season, while Moussa Macalou received the award for best male athlete. Carrodilla Cabestre was recognized as the best international athlete, with six young athletes—Daniela Hinestrosa, Sokona Macalou, Ainhoa Pardinilla, Daniela Sierra, Martxel Armenta, and Izan Garrido—awarded for their potential in sports.
In terms of team achievements, the first team of UD Barbastro was awarded as the most outstanding absolute male team, and the Junior Aesthetic Gymnastics Team C.Rítmica 2000 was recognized as the best absolute female team. The male Children's Judo team from C. Judo Barbastro and the female sub-16 team from C. Atletismo Barbastro were awarded in the non-absolute categories.
Special recognitions were also given to Cerramientos B2 for best sports sponsorship, and Aida López Antúnez for her work as a sports technician. Additionally, special awards were presented to Sergio Blázquez and Noe Blázquez, and a posthumous recognition was given to Vicente Salanova for his contributions to local athletics.
Fernando Torres, the mayor of Barbastro, highlighted the city’s commitment to enhancing sports infrastructure, noting that 1.6 million euros have been invested in the past two years to improve facilities. One of the key projects includes the renovation of the floor at the Ángel Orús Pavilion, which will ensure a safer environment for athletes.
Francisco Albert, the sports councilor, expressed pride in the city’s sports community, stating, "It is an honor to be the sports councilor because sports are essential to our community. We aim to keep improving our facilities to host high-level competitions." He also reflected on the importance of events like the gala in recognizing the hard work of clubs, coaches, and athletes.
The gala continued the tradition established in previous years, following events that featured prominent figures such as Lydia Valentín in 2023 and Almudena Cid and Abel Antón in 2024. The presence of sports icons like Romay serves to inspire the next generation of athletes in Barbastro.
Romay's speech resonated with many attendees, as he shared how his height, initially seen as a disadvantage, became a unique advantage in basketball. He encouraged young people to view their personal attributes as opportunities rather than obstacles.
As the evening concluded, the atmosphere was filled with celebration and gratitude. Athletes and teams expressed their appreciation for the recognition of their hard work and dedication. Marina Mata, unable to attend, sent a heartfelt letter thanking the community for their support and highlighting the importance of fostering a passion for sports among the youth.
In her letter, Mata expressed her hope that future projects in Barbastro would focus on improving sports facilities, particularly the parquet, to enhance the experience for athletes and fans alike.
The Barbastro Sports Gala 2025 not only celebrated the accomplishments of local athletes but also reinforced the community's commitment to promoting sports as a vital part of life. With continued investment and support, the future looks bright for sports in Barbastro.
