Andorra's Night of Sport Gala Honors Top Athletes with €59,000 Prizes

The Pavelló Toni Martí hosted the second Night of Sport gala on Thursday evening, attracting around 1,000 attendees to honour Andorra's leading athletes from the 2024-2025 season and the national team's 38-medal achievement at the May Games of the Small States of Europe with its 154 athletes.

Organised by the Secretariat of State for Youth and Sports in the Ministry of Culture, Youth and Sports, the event distributed €59,000 in prizes to top performers while recognising federations, clubs, coaches, volunteers and others who support the sector. Catalan host Quim Masferrer, known from *El Foraster*, kicked off proceedings with his usual energy, calling for "a night of applause" and dedicating it to athletes and their entourages. He ended with his signature line: "Andorra, sou molt bona gent!"

Mònica Dòria claimed the top award of €25,000, with Gina del Rio receiving €10,000, Joan Verdú and Irineu Esteve €8,500 apiece, and Roger Puig €7,000. Federated standouts Nicolau Taulats, Nil Checa, Aina Padilla, Max Black, Laia Taulats, Duna Viñals, Adrià Bonell and Max Palmitjavila also earned honours, highlighting grassroots efforts.

Tributes featured retiring ARA programme athletes Alexandra Mejía, Arnau Graslaub, Nadia Tudó, Laura Pellicer, Kilian Folguera and Gaudí Vall. A moving posthumous recognition went to Marc Pimienta of the Andorran Mountaineering Federation; Minister Mònica Bonell spoke to his family about sport's enduring legacy.

Further awards saluted federation veterans Eloi Garcia, Sílvia Daban, Eva Rodríguez and Gerard Giménez, European referees Joan Ramon Balcells and Marc Bernardó, plus Fabio Joel Rodríguez and ATIDA for resilience. Princiesport, Daines Club, Marina Fernández, the women's rugby team and senior roller hockey side were celebrated for advancing women's and team sports.

Before the event, Bonell told reporters the gala extends beyond elite athletes to all contributors, enabled by public-private ties. In her address, she positioned the Small States Games as the year's cornerstone, praising the collective spirit and results while noting Dòria's Paris Olympic diploma, strong cross-country and alpine skiing performances, and a balanced delegation for upcoming Winter Games. She stressed personal development over pressure.

Head of Government Xavier Espot, alongside Bonell and Secretariat head Alain Cabanes, described sport as essential for inclusion, education and health. Sponsors included Andbank and Andorra Telecom, with support from RTVA and MoraBanc Andorra. Last year's edition distributed €58,500, including to Verdú and Dòria.