Santa Pola Honors Archery Pioneer with New Facility Name, Plans Solar Cover Installation

May 21, 2026

The coastal town of Santa Pola in Spain’s Alicante province is making headlines for two significant developments in its archery community. While the municipal archery field has already been renamed to honor local legend José Vicente Ballesteros Sempere, recent reports suggest the facility may soon feature a solar cover to enhance its functionality and sustainability.

Legacy of José Vicente Ballesteros

The municipal archery field was officially renamed in December 2023 to commemorate José Vicente Ballesteros Sempere, a key figure in establishing the sport in the region. As one of the founding members of the Club CICA Caza y Tiro con Arco de Santa Pola in the 1980s, Ballesteros played a pivotal role in popularizing archery in the area.

“This renaming is a testament to his lifelong dedication to the sport,” said Mayor Loreto Serrano during the ceremony. “Ballesteros not only promoted archery but also helped transform it into a cornerstone of our community’s sporting identity.”

With over 30 years of involvement, Ballesteros competed both locally and regionally, representing the Valencian Community in national competitions. His influence extended beyond competition, as he helped establish the club as a regional leader in archery development.

Potential Solar Cover Installation

While the name change has been officially documented, local media reports and social media posts suggest the facility may soon undergo another transformation. A recent Facebook post from the Ayuntamiento de Santa Pola (Santa Pola Municipal Council) mentions plans to install a “cubierta solar” (solar cover) on the archery range.