Alcoy, Spain – The city of Alcoy is significantly increasing its financial commitment to non-professional athletes in 2025, marking a turning point for sports development in the region. A record 30,000 euros will be distributed to support thirty local athletes, a substantial increase from previous years, and the largest number of recipients in the city’s history.
The funding, announced this week, will aid athletes across nine different disciplines: archery, BMX cycling, artistic swimming, judo, Nordic walking, skateboarding, artistic gymnastics, swimming, and athletics. These grants are designed to facilitate offset the costs associated with competition during the 2025 season, allowing these athletes to focus on performance, and progression. The initiative underscores Alcoy’s dedication to fostering athletic talent at the grassroots level.
According to city officials, a total of thirty-eight applications were received for the aid, demonstrating a growing interest in competitive sports within the community. The selection process considered a range of factors, including athletic achievements, elite athlete status, family income, and academic performance. Twenty-three athletes will receive direct financial assistance, totaling 16,000 euros, with individual awards ranging from 300 to 2,000 euros. Fifteen of the recipients are female, and eight are male, highlighting a commitment to gender equity in sports funding.
Among those receiving support are Sara Masanet Miró, Lucas García Sanjuán, Jorge Gisbert Moral, Aina Miró Rabadán, and Carmen Gualda Crespo in athletics; Sofía Crespo Escoda and Marta Crespo Escoda in artistic swimming; Àngels Alcaraz Valls, José González Orts, and Joan Verdú Alcaraz in archery; Teresa Galbis Solbes, Marc Peris Castillo, Lucca Cuenca Muñoz, Sara Doassans Serrano, Ainhoa Lucas Segura, Julia Esteban Giménez, Elena Llácer Angulo, and Emma Vilaplana Miró in artistic gymnastics; Vicente García Delicado in BMX cycling; Lola Torres Company in skateboarding; Claudia Carrasco García in judo; Guillem Martí Pastor in Nordic walking; and Laura Gisbert Muriel in swimming.
In addition to the twenty-three direct grants, seven athletes of exceptional caliber will receive support through special agreements, adding another 14,000 euros to the total funding. These athletes include Néstor Abad, Maia Llàcer, and Laura Casabuena in artistic gymnastics; Andrea Silva in artistic skating; Joan Montes in orienteering; Gaizka Porras in judo; and Daniela Picó in rhythmic gymnastics. These athletes will be formally recognized at the Gala de l’Esport Alcoi on Friday, March 27th, at the Parc Urbà Tecnològic de Rodes, beginning at 7:30 PM local time (CET).
The increased investment in local athletes reflects a broader strategy by the Alcoy City Council to promote sports participation and provide opportunities for athletes to excel. Alberto Belda, the city’s Sports Councilor, emphasized the importance of this support, stating, “From the City Council, we work to facilitate our athletes to continue growing and overcoming the economic barriers that competition poses. These grants have a direct impact on our neighborhoods, since the athletes become references of effort and health for the recent generations, promoting healthy lifestyle habits for all citizens.”
This year’s funding represents a significant leap forward from previous years. In July 2025, the city recognized 104 local athletes who had won medals in national and international competitions, a record number compared to the 64 athletes recognized the previous year. The recognition event highlighted the high level of athletic achievement within the city, encompassing 27 different sports.
The Gala de l’Esport Alcoi will also honor Daniela Picó, named “Juan Agudo Garat” as the Best Female Athlete of the Year for her performance with the Spanish National Team in Rhythmic Gymnastics. Sara Masanet and Joan Gómez will share the award for Best Emerging Athlete of 2025, recognizing their success in regional and national competitions. Special mentions will also be given to the Sporting Hoquei d’Alcoi for their promotion to the OK Liga Plata, the Centre Excursionista d’Alcoi orienteering team for their achievements, and the Patín Alcodiam Salesiano for winning their first European title.
The city’s commitment extends beyond financial support and recognition. The recent awarding of scholarships for the year 2025 demonstrates a long-term investment in the future of Alcoy’s athletes, providing them with the resources they need to pursue their sporting dreams. The focus on a diverse range of sports, coupled with the emphasis on both male and female athletes, underscores a holistic approach to sports development within the community.
Looking ahead, the Gala de l’Esport Alcoi on March 27th promises to be a celebration of athletic achievement and a testament to the growing sports culture in Alcoy. The event will not only honor the recipients of these vital grants but also serve as an inspiration for future generations of athletes in the region.
Stay tuned to Archysport for further updates on the Gala de l’Esport Alcoi and the progress of these talented athletes throughout the 2025 season. What are your thoughts on this investment in local sports? Share your comments below.
