Martorell Celebrates a Year Dedicated to Basketball
2024 marked a special year for Martorell, as the city proudly held the title of ‘City of Catalan Basketball,’ bestowed by the Catalan Basketball Foundation. Throughout the year, Martorell pulsated with a vibrant energy, hosting a diverse range of sporting, social, and cultural events centered around the beloved sport.
Two local basketball clubs, La Mercè Basketball Club and Martorell Basketball Club, spearheaded this initiative, forming a dedicated organizing committee with unwavering support from the City Council. Their collaborative efforts ensured that Martorell lived up to its designation, showcasing the city’s passion for basketball on a regional stage.
The clubs went beyond simply hosting events; they aimed to establish new traditions within Martorell’s sports calendar. Martorell Basketball Club introduced the Jordi Fusalba Senior women’s Memorial Tournament, honoring a local basketball legend, while La Mercè Basketball Club launched the innovative Training Clinic, providing valuable learning opportunities for aspiring players.
As 2024 drew to a close, Martorell bid farewell to its prestigious title, passing the torch to its successor, Vilafranca del Penedès. A special closing ceremony on January 9th served as a retrospective, highlighting the year’s most memorable events, including the Preferential Women’s Junior Championship of Catalonia, the Preferential Men’s Children’s Championship of Catalonia, and the Spanish Under-22 Wheelchair Basketball Championship.The ceremony was graced by prominent figures, including Xavier Fonollosa, Mayor of Martorell; Oscar Royo, President of Martorell Basketball Club; Laura del Amo, President of La Mercè Basketball Club; Gerard Mimó, sports Councilor of martorell; and Ferran Aril, President of the Catalan Basketball Foundation. Representatives from Vilafranca del Penedès, Francisco Romero, Mayor, and Gemma Romeu, Sports Councilor, also attended, symbolizing the passing of the baton.
Ferran Aril commended Martorell for its extraordinary commitment throughout the year, emphasizing the city’s inclusive approach, involving not only basketball clubs but also social entities and citizens. He praised Martorell’s dedication to teamwork, a core value championed by the Catalan Basketball Foundation. Aril highlighted that these values extend beyond the basketball court, permeating daily life and fostering a spirit of collaboration and sportsmanship.
Xavier Fonollosa, Mayor of Martorell, reflected on the significance of the ‘City of Catalan Basketball’ title, emphasizing its role in strengthening the city’s commitment to sports. He noted that this honour built upon martorell’s success as the European City of Sports in 2023, further solidifying its reputation as a hub for athletic excellence.
Fonollosa acknowledged the tireless efforts of individuals who contributed to the success of Martorell’s basketball initiatives, recognizing their selfless dedication and passion for the sport.
The ‘City of Catalan Basketball’ title, now in its 25th year, is a prestigious honor bestowed annually by the Fundació del Bàsquet Català. Each year, a different city or town in Catalonia is selected to champion basketball, organizing a diverse calendar of sporting, social, and cultural events.
Vilafranca del Penedès, the capital of the Alt Penedès region, now takes on this mantle for 2025. The city’s two local clubs, Club Esportiu Xamba and Secció Esportiva Casal Vilafranca, will collaborate to create a vibrant program, building upon the legacy established by Martorell.
This is fantastic news for basketball enthusiasts in Martorell! It sounds like 2024 was an incredible year for your community, and I commend La Mercè Basketball Club and Martorell Basketball Club for their dedication in bringing year-long celebration to life. Being designated as the ”City of Catalan Basketball” by the Catalan Basketball Foundation is a real honor, highlighting Martorell’s deep commitment to the sport.
I’m particularly impressed with the initiative’s breadth. It wasn’t just about hosting games[[1]. The inclusion of sporting, social, and cultural events shows a genuine effort to connect the entire community around their shared love for basketball. This holistic approach truly elevates the sport beyond just a game and makes it an integral part of Martorell’s cultural identity.
Now,as we look to the future,it begs the question: How will Martorell continue to build on this momentum?
Will the city aim to retain the “City of Catalan Basketball” title,or will they explore new avenues to showcase their passion for the sport? It will be captivating to see what innovative initiatives emerge from this successful year.
I’m excited to see what the future holds for basketball in Martorell!
