Record 300+ Seniors Compete in Andorra's Fourth Sports Games

The fourth edition of the Sports Games for Seniors in Andorra achieved a record turnout with more than 300 participants from all seven parishes over the weekend.

The event kicked off on Saturday morning at the Ordino High-Performance Centre (CTEO) with an opening ceremony attended by various authorities. Proceedings began at 9am with a parade of delegations, the arrival of the Olympic torch, the raising of flags, and a rendition of the national anthem, *El Gran Carlemany*, performed by singer Júlia Saura. Speakers highlighted the value of active ageing through sport and social engagement.

Ordino's *cònsol major*, Maria del Mar Coma, opened the addresses by describing seniors as active, dynamic individuals deeply involved in their communities, families, and daily parish life. She praised participants and volunteers, framing the games as a means to build community ties and encourage healthy habits beyond competition.

Andorran Olympic Committee president Xavier Espot Miró called seniors the "living memory" of the country, crediting their effort and sacrifice for Andorra's development. He stressed physical activity across all life stages and Olympic values of excellence, friendship, and respect.

Social Affairs Minister Trini Marín reaffirmed the government's commitment to active ageing, noting sport's role in health and wellbeing, with personal connections at the forefront.

Competitions started at 11am, focused in the northern valleys of Ordino and La Massana. Disciplines included swimming, walking, trail running, table tennis, pétanque, archery, line dancing, dexterity tests, cycling, electric bikes, mountain biking, and road biking. Masterclasses in tai chi and zumba were also open to the public. Activities combined indoor and outdoor settings to suit varying fitness levels.

The games concluded on Sunday with a closing ceremony at La Closeta hall and Plaça de la Ciutadania in La Massana. Awards were presented amid cheers, followed by extinguishing the symbolic torch and passing the games flag to Sant Julià de Lòria, which will host the 2029 edition. *Cònsols major* Maria del Mar Coma and *menor* Roger Fité of La Massana handed it to Sant Julià's *cònsol menor* Sofia Cortesao.

La Massana's *cònsol menor* Roger Fité hailed all participants as "winners" for their energy and enthusiasm, thanking organising teams from sports and seniors' welfare departments, federations, volunteers, the government, communes, and entities.

Federation of Seniors' Associations president Fèlix Zapatero described the mix of moderate exercise and socialising as ideal for the group, underscoring its benefits for health and connections.

The ceremony ended with *El Gran Carlemany* sung by the Andorran Seniors' Choirs, in the presence of authorities including Espot Miró.