Els Serradells Sports Centre Celebrates 35th Anniversary with Youth Exhibitions and Founders' Tributes

Els Serradells Sports Centre marked its 35th anniversary on Saturday with youth sports exhibitions, collaborative displays, and recognition for its founders.

Around 150 children and young people from seven clubs took part in six tatami sports demonstrations, featuring gymnastics, rhythmic gymnastics, artistic gymnastics, judo, karate, artistic dance, taekwondo, and kung fu. Cònsol Menor Olalla Losada praised the event's emphasis on collaboration among clubs. She noted that it captured the centre's everyday energy, especially in the afternoons, spanning activities for children through to adults.

The programme also paid tribute to the centre's key pioneers from 1984 to 1991: former Cònsol Major Manel Pons and Sports Councillor Josep Maria Cosan. After short speeches, they received honorary membership cards. Opened in 1991, the facility has become a cornerstone for national sports and recreation, highlighted by its Olympic-standard pool suitable for major competitions such as the Small States Games.

Other highlights included an artistic swimming display, an aquatic party, and the "35x35" challenge, where users completed 35 minutes of physical activity to earn a commemorative T-shirt. Organisers described the challenge as a near-total success.

Looking ahead, Losada identified pool changing room upgrades as the main priority for 2026. While the pool meets high standards, surrounding areas have become outdated. "The adjacent facilities no longer keep pace. This year, we will ensure the changing rooms match the pool's level," she said, aiming for expansion before year-end.

Losada also reviewed the parish's updated pricing and subscription rules introduced earlier this year, which prioritise Andorra la Vella residents with better rates. Locals face no waiting lists, but about 100 non-residents remain queued. The slight increase for outsiders has achieved balance without cutting total users, she added.