OLOT, Spain – A significant step forward has been taken in the recognition of artistic roller skating in Catalonia, Spain, as the Catalan Federation of Skating (Federació Catalana de Patinatge) has approved an agreement designating groups participating in “Grups de Xou” (Show Groups) as eligible to be considered elite athletes. The decision, reached on February 8, 2026, aims to bolster the institutional recognition of the sport within the region.
The agreement was formalized between Benjamí Pons, President of the Catalan Federation of Skating and Berni Álvarez, the Conseller d’Esports (Sports Counselor) of the Generalitat de Catalunya, the regional government. This move acknowledges the dedication, skill, and rigorous training required by skaters in this discipline, bringing them in line with other recognized elite sports in Catalonia.
The Club Patinatge Artístic Olot (CPA Olot), a prominent skating club based in Olot, Catalonia, has been a leading force in the sport for decades. Founded on February 26, 1993, by Montsita Casadellà, the club currently boasts nearly 200 athletes, guided by Director Ricard Planiol. The CPA Olot utilizes the Pavelló Municipal d’Esports d’Olot, a facility with a capacity of 1,500 spectators, for training, and competitions.
This decision comes as a result of long-standing advocacy from numerous artistic skating clubs, including CPA Olot and CPA Girona, seeking greater institutional support and recognition for their athletes. For years, these groups have argued that the demanding nature of “Grups de Xou” – which combines athleticism, artistry, and complex choreography – warrants the same level of recognition afforded to other elite sports.
The CPA Olot has a particularly impressive track record in international competition, consistently achieving top honors in the large show group category at the World Artistic Skating Championships. The club has secured the World Championship title in 2004 (Fresno), 2005 (Rome), 2006 (Murcia), 2007 (Gold Coast), 2009 (Freiburg), 2010 (Portimão), 2013 (Taipei), 2014 (Reus), 2015 (Cali), 2016 (Novara), 2017 (Girona), 2018 (Mouilleron-le-Captif), 2021 (Asunción), and 2023 (Ibagué). This consistent success underscores the high level of skill and dedication within the club.
The recent Semifinal Blanca of Grups Xou and Quartets, held at Fontajau in Girona on February 7-8, 2026, showcased the talent within the Catalan skating community. Nearly 3,000 spectators attended the event, witnessing the debut of new choreographies. CPA Olot placed third in the Grups Xou Júnior category, finishing behind PA Llavaneres and CPA Tona. CPA Olot secured first place in the Grups Xou Grans category, followed by CPA Skating Cunit and PA El Masnou.
The agreement between the Catalan Federation of Skating and the Generalitat de Catalunya will allow skaters from these groups to meet the criteria for elite athlete status, potentially unlocking access to additional funding, resources, and support services. This could include benefits such as priority access to training facilities, financial assistance for travel to competitions, and enhanced medical care.
Currently, the CPA Olot is led by technical and artistic director Ricard Planiol, with Ester Fàbrega coaching the ‘A’ team and Gemma Jou leading the ‘B’ team. The club maintains an active presence on social media, with over 9,500 likes on its Facebook page, fostering a strong community around the sport.
The recognition of “Grups de Xou” skaters as elite athletes is expected to have a ripple effect throughout the Catalan skating community, encouraging greater participation and investment in the sport. It also serves as a testament to the hard work and dedication of the athletes, coaches, and clubs who have tirelessly championed this discipline. The next major event for these skaters will be the Championship of Catalonia, where the teams that qualified at the recent semifinals will compete for the title.
Fans can follow the CPA Olot and the Catalan Federation of Skating for updates on competitions, training, and athlete profiles through their respective websites and social media channels. The future looks bright for artistic roller skating in Catalonia, with this new recognition paving the way for continued success and growth.
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