Andorra and Catalonia Finalize Elite Sports Pact for Athlete Access

Andorra and Catalonia are finalising a high-performance sports collaboration agreement that will grant Andorran athletes full access to services at the CAR Sant Cugat centre, including dining, medical care, physical preparation and recovery, with the Andorran government covering the costs.

Catalonia's Sports Councillor Berni Álvarez, joined by Secretary General Abel García, toured Andorra's Centre for Sports Training in Ordino (CTEO) on Thursday, hosted by Culture, Youth and Sports Minister Mònica Bonell. The visit included a facilities inspection and working meeting to advance the pact, building on January discussions when Andorran Secretary of State for Sports Alain Cabanes visited CAR Sant Cugat.

Currently, only gymnast Berta Miquel and taekwondo athlete Naiara Liñán train at the Catalan centre without its complementary services. Bonell confirmed the government would fund these once the agreement is signed. "We want to reach an agreement so the government can take charge of these services," she said, noting technical teams are now updating a 2020 draft to current needs. She emphasised the CAR's elite standards and proximity as key advantages, though no federations have proposed additional athletes yet.

Álvarez described the partnership as a natural fit and expressed optimism despite the CAR's near-full capacity. "With the small number of Andorran athletes, it's feasible. We need to work on it, but with goodwill it's viable," he stated. Catalonia's ongoing reforms to its high-performance sports decree and standardisation of services across training centres could extend opportunities beyond Sant Cugat.

The Catalan delegation praised the CTEO as "exemplary," with Álvarez highlighting aspects that could inspire upgrades to smaller Catalan facilities. Reciprocal arrangements remain central: CAR athletes could use Ordino for altitude training, gym access and recovery, as raised in January and reaffirmed by Bonell. Technical teams will finalise and sign the updated pact soon.