Champions for UNICEF Basketball Event Raises €1,590 in Andorra

The 11th Champions for UNICEF charity basketball event at Prat Gran pavilion in Escaldes-Engordany raised €1,590 for UNICEF's flexible response fund, which supports rapid aid in child emergencies and long-term programs in health, nutrition, education, and protection worldwide.

Organized with support from Bàsquet Club Andorra, the sold-out evening on Wednesday drew a full crowd for two matches starting at 7pm. The first pitted public figures in "Drets dels infants" (white jerseys)—including subsyndic Sandra Codina, Maria Àngels Aché, Sílvia Riva, parliament members Cerni Escalé and Núria Segués, Pere Baró, ministers Jordi Torres and Guillem Casal, Culture, Youth and Sports Minister Mònica Bonell, MoraBanc Andorra president Gorka Aixàs, plus players Stan Okoye and Rubén Guerrero—against "Mans que protegeixen" (black jerseys), featuring Meritxell Alcobé, Salomó Benlluch, Susagna Mosquera, influencer Andrea Regadera, Youth and Sports Secretary of State Alain Cabanes, and players Shannon Evans II and Chumi Ortega.

The second match brought together elite athletes, with the full MoraBanc Andorra squad and staff—coach Joan Plaza observing from courtside—joined by paddle player Mònica Doria, former swimmer Nàdia Tudó, pilot Edgar Montellà, and transplant games medallists Mari Martínez and Toni Gamero. Additional participants included Andorra la Vella senior consul Sergi González and Lauredian consuls Cerni Cairat and Sofia Cortesao. The MoraBanc team sat out only injured players Rafa Luz and Yves Pons.

Before tip-off, Bonell emphasized the event's focus on enjoyment and values, noting participants aimed to share good times, spread solidarity, and highlight sports—though some competed fiercely. Aixàs described it as a key calendar fixture rooted in the club's UNICEF partnership, joking about scouting political talent while committing to annual repeats and higher funds. The €10 tickets, sold online and at the door, directed all proceeds to UNICEF.

Aixàs also addressed club challenges ahead of Sunday's home game against Real Madrid, citing injuries to Aaron Best, Justin McKoy, Rafa Luz, and Yves Pons—recently eased by new arrivals Xavier Castañeda and Kostas Kostadinov. He affirmed a solid relationship with Plaza and stressed focusing on performance regardless of opponent, amid efforts to steady the team's recent form. The pavilion filled with baskets, misses, laughter, and support for the cause, though the total fell short of last year's €2,285.