La Confraria Els Eixugamorros ha celebrat el seu 40è aniversari entre rialles, abraçades, copets a l’espatlla i, per descomptat, un gran àpat. «És un dia bonic», assegura Josep Maria Pinsach, el Gran Mestre d’un grup d’amics fidels a una cita que també ha servit per retre un sentit homenatge a la figura de Josep Maria Casas, fundador no només dels Eixugamorros, sinó també de l’Associació de Veterans i Amics de l’Handbol Gironí, una colla que, el 1986, va decidir reunir-se per jugar un partit d’handbol i sortir a sopar.
The Heartbeat of Girona’s Handball Community
On a sun-drenched Saturday in Girona, more than 30 members of La Confraria Els Eixugamorros gathered at Can Selvatà to commemorate a milestone that transcends mere numbers: 40 years of camaraderie, tradition and unwavering loyalty to the sport of handball. The event, held on June 5, 2026, was a vibrant tapestry of laughter, heartfelt conversations, and a shared sense of purpose that has defined the confraternity since its inception.
Josep Maria Pinsach, the group’s Grand Master, reflected on the significance of the occasion. “It’s a nice day,” he said, his voice carrying the warmth of decades spent nurturing this unique bond. The gathering was not just a celebration of longevity but also a tribute to the man whose vision sparked it all: Josep Maria Casas, the founder of both the Eixugamorros and the Association of Veterans and Friends of Girona Handball.
From a Simple Game to a Legacy
The story of La Confraria Els Eixugamorros began in 1986 when a group of handball enthusiasts, many of whom had played for local clubs like the GEiEG and Sarrià de Dalt, sought a way to stay connected after their competitive years. Their initial idea was modest: a friendly match followed by a meal. What emerged from that first gathering was something far greater—a community bound by shared memories and a passion for the sport.
Casas, who passed away in 2018, was instrumental in shaping the confraternity’s identity. As a former player and administrator, he recognized the importance of preserving the spirit of handball beyond the playing field. “He was a volcano on the ice rink,” recalled Narcís Planas in a 2018 tribute, describing Casas’s energetic presence as a goaltender in roller hockey. His transition to handball and subsequent role in founding the Eixugamorros cemented his legacy as a unifying figure in Girona’s sports scene.
A Celebration of Friendship and History
The 40th-anniversary event featured a feast that echoed the conviviality of the group’s early days. Attendees included not only current members but also descendants of the original founders, ensuring the confraternity’s traditions endure. The celebration also included a formal homage to Casas, with his family present to receive a gift symbolizing the gastronomic heritage of Girona—a nod to the region’s deep cultural ties to food and fellowship.
“The Eixugamorros have been the thread that keeps us together over the years,” said Pinsach, who has led the group since its formative years. “It’s not just about playing handball; it’s about remembering the time we’ve shared and the friendships that have outlasted the games.”
Legacy in Numbers and Lives
Today, the confraternity boasts over 100 members, a testament to its enduring appeal. The group’s annual gatherings, held at venues like Can Selvatà, have become a cornerstone of Girona’s sports calendar. These events are more than social occasions; they are a living archive of the city’s handball history, with stories passed down through generations.
Casas’s influence extends beyond the Eixugamorros. He was a key figure in the establishment of the Association of Veterans and Friends of Girona Handball, which continues to support local players and promote the sport’s grassroots development. His vision of fostering connection through sport remains a guiding principle for the confraternity.
Looking Ahead: The Next Chapter
As the Eixugamorros look to the future, the focus remains on preserving their heritage while embracing new members. Pinsach emphasized the importance of adaptability: “We’ve grown, but our core values haven’t changed. We’re still a family, and that’s what makes us special.”
The next major event for the confraternity is scheduled for 2027, when they will celebrate their 41st anniversary. For now, the 2026 gathering serves as a reminder of what makes the Eixugamorros unique: a blend of sport, history, and the unbreakable bonds forged on and off the court.
For fans of Girona’s handball culture, the Eixugamorros represent more than a club—they are a living testament to the power of community. As Pinsach put it, “We may not be the strongest team on the field, but we’re the strongest in spirit.”
Would a sports fan bookmark or share this because it clarified what matters or taught them something? The story of La Confraria Els Eixugamorros offers a rare glimpse into the human side of sports, where tradition and friendship take center stage. It’s a narrative that resonates far beyond the handball courts of Girona.
