On Tuesday, 18 March 2025, the Auditòrium de Palma hosted the 23rd Sports Gala 2025 of the Consell de Mallorca, an event that recognised the effort and achievements of 299 young athletes aged between 6 and 16, who have secured over 400 podium finishes in national and international competitions. With an attendance of 1,700 people, the gala became a great celebration of grassroots sport in Mallorca.
Group photo of the award winners at the 23rd Sports Gala 2025 of the Consell de Mallorca. Photos: Consell de Mallorca.
This year, the Consell de Mallorca placed special emphasis on the role of coaches and the impact of technology in sports. Under the theme “Sport and technology”, advancements that various federations have implemented through digital innovation were showcased. Additionally, a tribute was paid to four prestigious coaches who have left their mark on the history of Mallorcan sports:
- Kiko Martín (canoeing) – Award for Values
- Toni Nadal (tennis) – Lifetime Achievement Award
- Brigitte Yagüe (taekwondo) – Promising Talent Award
- Llorenç Serra Ferrer (football) – Award for Excellence
The president of the Consell de Mallorca, Llorenç Galmés, highlighted the crucial role of coaches, clubs, federations, municipalities, and families in the development of sport on the island. “These awards serve as motivation to continue working with enthusiasm and perseverance. Behind every sporting and personal success, there is a coach who not only teaches technique but also acts as a mentor, instilling values and providing the motivation to achieve goals,” said Galmés.
Sailors Neus Fernández and Martina Gomila; Consell vice president Pedro Bestard; Toni Nadal; Consell president Llorenç Galmés; Llorenç Serra Ferrer; Kiko Martín; former footballer Toni Prats, and Brigitte Yagüe.
Meanwhile, the second vice president and councillor for Environment, Rural Affairs, and Sports, Pedro Bestard, emphasised the effort and dedication of all those present: “The years, months, weeks, days, and hours you dedicate to your sport are the key to your success.” He also highlighted the creation of the new Special Awards of the Consell, which aim to acknowledge the fundamental role of coaches in the development of athletes.
Recognition for young champions
One of the most memorable moments of the gala was the presentation of the School Sports Award to the young Mallorcan sailors Neus Fernández and Martina Gomila, world and European champions in the 420 sailing class. Their impressive achievements include:
- 1st place in the Under-17 World Championship in Rio de Janeiro (Brazil)
- 1st place in the Absolute European Championship in Portorož (Slovenia)
- 3rd place in the Youth European Championship in Thessaloniki (Greece)
These accomplishments have elevated Mallorcan sailing to the highest international level. The two young athletes delivered an emotional speech upon receiving their award.
Honorary patrons and entertainment at the gala
The event featured two distinguished patrons, both athletes involved in the Consell de Mallorca’s values programmes: Joan Toni Moreno, canoeist and bronze medallist at the 2024 Paris Olympics, and Sonia Ledesma, rally co-driver in the Dakar Rally and the first Balearic competitor to complete this challenging race.
The gala was hosted by renowned Mallorcan journalists Toni Terrades and Virgínia Quetglas, who energised the event alongside the group Circ Bover, which performed sports-themed acts with a touch of humour.
Key figures from the 23rd Sports Gala 2025
- Athletes honoured: 299.
- Sports disciplines represented: 30.
- New additions: weightlifting, trotting, and stone slingshot.
- Municipalities with awarded athletes: 28.
Leave A Comment