The plenary hall of the Dénia Town Hall hosted yesterday afternoon the official presentation of the 15th edition of the Minijocs de the Marina Alta, which will be held from May 16 to 18 in Dénia.
The event was chaired by the Mayor of Dénia, Vicent Grimalt, who highlighted the importance of this biennial event as a meeting point for grassroots sports and for promoting the values of the Olympics among the region's youth. "The Minijocs represent the unity of the people of the Marina Alta through sport, and, as the host city, Dénia is proud to host this sporting event that has been running for almost thirty years," Grimalt noted.
Also present were the Sports Councillor of Dénia, Valen Alcala, and the president of the Marina Alta Sports Network and Councilor for Sports of El Verger, Sergi Brogniez Malonda, as well as representatives of other participating municipalities. The event was attended by mayors, councilors, and technical staff from the sports departments of the municipalities of Pedreguer, Ràfol d'Almúnia, El Verger, Poble Nou de Benitatxell, Orba, Beniarbeig, Pego, Xàbia and Dénia. Members of several of the city's sports clubs, which play a key role in the organization and development of the competitions, also attended.
Dénia's Sports Councilor, Valen Alcalà, expressed his excitement about hosting this new edition of the Minijocs: "It's an honor for me to be part of this historic event for grassroots sports in the Marina Alta. The Minijocs are not just a competition, but a celebration of sport, of the values of effort and camaraderie, and a demonstration of what we can achieve when we work together as a region."
More from 1.000 participants
More than 1.000 athletes from 17 municipalities will participate in this 18th edition, competing in a total of XNUMX sports disciplines. This year's new features include the addition of One-Wall, or international fronton, taking advantage of the city's facilities to promote this sport, and the inclusion of women's soccer, "taking a step forward in equal opportunities in sports."
Another key element of the Minijocs celebration is the torch relay, which has already begun its route through the participating municipalities. The flame will arrive in Dénia on May 15, one day before the inauguration on May 16. This year, the competition medals will be awarded over two days after the competitions.
Sergi Brogniez Malonda, president of the Marina Alta Sports Network and Sports Councilor for El Verger, emphasized the importance of the Minijocs as a sporting and social event for the entire region. "This is a key moment for building the region's spirit through sport. The Minijocs are an opportunity for all children to meet, compete, and build bonds through sport." He also highlighted the efforts of smaller municipalities with limited resources, which are working intensively to prepare their teams and athletes.
Inclusion and equality
Brogniez also announced an important new feature for this edition: "Following the values and principles with which the Sports Network was created and as is done in the regional leagues, this year we have included the catwalk rule, which ensures that all boys and girls have the opportunity to actively participate in the competitions." This measure reinforces the values of inclusion and equality in grassroots sports in the Marina Alta.
Finally, this year's poster was presented, designed by Adela Marzà, which "perfectly represents the brotherhood and diversity of this sporting event."
Finally, all parties expressed special gratitude for the work of the Marina Alta Sports Network, the involvement of the participating municipalities, and the sports clubs.
