Lugo, Spain – March 28, 2026
Marta Villaverde, the Conselleira do Mar (Galicia’s Minister of the Sea), alongside Javier Arias, the territorial delegate of the Xunta in Lugo, attended this evening’s Liga Endesa basketball game between CB Breogán and Baxi Manresa. The match, sponsored by the Consellería do Mar, marked the celebration of ‘Día do Mar’ (Maritime Day) in the region.
Villaverde emphasized the importance of initiatives like this in promoting and recognizing the products of the Galician rías (coastal inlets) and the broader maritime sector, which she described as strategically vital for the socio-economic development of both the Galicia region and the province of Lugo. “We must remember that A Mariña [a coastal region in Galicia] is home to two of the most important fishing ports in Galicia and the northwest of the Iberian Peninsula,” Villaverde stated, according to a press release from the Xunta de Galicia.
The Consellería do Mar’s sponsorship of the CB Breogán game is part of the ‘Galicia sabe amar’ (Galicia knows how to love) campaign, launched in 2021, which aims to boost consumption of Galician seafood as part of a balanced diet. The campaign was visible throughout the Pazo dos Deportes arena, where the game was held.
Villaverde further congratulated the CB Breogán club for the initiative, highlighting how “through sport, we can also delve deeper into the benefits of the coastline, the products it offers to consumers, and the importance of its conservation.” This sentiment underscores the Xunta de Galicia’s commitment to integrating the promotion of its marine resources with popular cultural events.
Marta Villaverde’s presence at the game is particularly noteworthy given her relatively recent appointment as Conselleira do Mar on June 5, 2025, following the resignation of Alfonso Villares Bermúdez. Prior to her role as minister, Villaverde had a long career as a civil servant within the Xunta de Galicia, beginning in 2006. Her background includes positions as a veterinary inspector, fisheries inspector, and various leadership roles within the Consellería do Mar, including Director General of Fisheries Development since April 2024. She holds a degree in Veterinary Medicine from the University of Santiago de Compostela.
The Liga Endesa match itself provided a platform to showcase the connection between Galician identity, its rich maritime heritage, and the passion for sports within the community. The Xunta’s continued collaboration with CB Breogán, through sponsorship agreements, demonstrates a strategic approach to reaching a broad audience and reinforcing the value of the region’s seafood industry.
The CB Breogán vs. Baxi Manresa game is just one example of the Xunta de Galicia’s broader efforts to support local sports teams and promote regional products. The ‘Galicia sabe amar’ campaign extends beyond basketball, encompassing various initiatives designed to raise awareness about the quality and sustainability of Galician seafood.
Looking ahead, CB Breogán will continue its Liga Endesa campaign with their next match scheduled for April 3, 2026, against UCAM Murcia. The Consellería do Mar is expected to continue its support of the team and the ‘Galicia sabe amar’ campaign throughout the remainder of the season. Fans can locate more information about the campaign and upcoming events on the Xunta de Galicia’s official website.
The ongoing partnership between the Xunta de Galicia and CB Breogán serves as a model for how regional governments can leverage the popularity of sports to promote local industries and cultural values. It’s a strategy that appears poised to continue, strengthening the ties between the Galician community and its maritime heritage.
