Serradells Sports Centre Marks 35th Anniversary with Free Events and Major Renovations

The Serradells sports centre in Andorra la Vella will celebrate its 35th anniversary on 18 April with a free public programme of events from 3.15pm, including a synchronised swimming display, aquatic party, recreational games, fitness challenges and a gala, while advancing major upgrades such as a full renovation of the ground-floor pool and gym changing rooms.

Opened in 1991 to host the first Small States of Europe Games alongside other venues, the centre—managed by the Andorra la Vella communal corporation—now serves more than 3,500 members and houses the country's only Olympic pool. The anniversary day begins with a natació sincronitzada exhibition in the Olympic pool, followed by an aquatic party there from 4pm to 7pm and games at Plaça Baró Pierre de Coubertin. A 35x35 aquatic or cardio challenge runs from 4.30pm to 8.30pm, with participants completing 35 minutes earning a commemorative T-shirt. From 5pm to 7pm, three 35-minute directed fitness sessions—covering cycling, Latin rhythms and wellcross—take place in the activities rooms, also offering T-shirts to completers. The evening features a 7pm sports gala with club demonstrations, historical image projections, tributes to founders and an aperitif.

A five-episode video podcast, *35 Years in Motion*, produced with RTVA and hosted by Gabriel Fernàndez, explores the centre's story through interviews with former councillor Josep Maria Cosan, early staff who managed crises like the fire, elite athletes and users, highlighting its evolution from institutional origins to a hub for community sport.

At a press conference, Public Services, Environment and Natural Heritage councillor Jordi Cabanes described the changing-room overhaul as the centre's largest 2026 investment and a response to long-standing user demands. Architects are finalising designs, with a target completion by year-end, though tender processes could extend timelines. Minor consul Olalla Losada noted the work—potentially spanning over six months—will proceed alongside daily operations to limit disruptions, even if it means pausing new memberships to maintain service quality.

Cabanes outlined recent and planned improvements, including air conditioning in fitness and weights areas, machinery renewals, pavilion and squash parquet restoration, reopening of the fire-damaged relaxation zone with sauna and cold plunge, 22 new parking spaces approved by the parish council, and energy-efficiency steps like heat network links and enclosure updates. "We want the centre to remain pioneering, modern, sustainable and a global reference in another 35 years," he said. Losada called it a "key national reference," emphasising activities that honour clubs, youth, families and everyday users over membership growth.