The Centro de Alto Rendimiento in Madrid hosted 37 children and young people with disabilities on Saturday, October 3, 2026, for a Paralympic Draft organized by the Spanish Paralympic Committee with support from CaixaBank. The participants, ranging in age from 10 to 28, explored sports suited to their profiles and learned from established athletes.
Talent Discovery at the Madrid High-Performance Center
Saturday’s event at the CAR de Madrid targeted participants with physical, visual, or cerebral palsy disabilities. During the morning session, the children and teenagers completed structured tests and games designed to evaluate their athletic potential and physical capabilities, according to information provided by the Spanish Paralympic Committee.
These activities constitute a first approach to sports practice and allow us to guide participants toward the modalities most appropriate for them,
the Spanish Paralympic Committee stated in a press release.
After a midday break, the attendees listened to motivational talks from prominent Paralympic figures. Triathlete Susana Rodríguez, a gold medalist at the Tokyo 2020 and Paris 2024 Games, shared the stage with swimmer Beatriz Lérida and skier Javier Marcos. The three competitors detailed their personal career trajectories and offered practical advice on competing at a high level.
Afternoon Sports Sessions Across Eight Disciplines
The afternoon segment moved participants from evaluation to direct practice across eight distinct sports. Depending on their individual physical profiles and personal preferences, the young athletes tried athletics, badminton, cycling, climbing, swimming, canoeing, table tennis, and triathlon.
The day’s proceedings drew prominent regional and national sports administrators. Virginia Blázquez, the deputy general director of physical activity and sports programs for the Community of Madrid, attended alongside Francisco Botía, director of the Spanish Paralympic Committee, and Carlos Candeal, director of institutional banking for CaixaBank in Madrid.
Operationally, the event was coordinated by Relevo Paralímpico Comunidad de Madrid. That regional body operates as a joint initiative between the local autonomous government and the Spanish Paralympic Committee, working directly with sports federations to build inclusive structures within local clubs.
The Nationwide Nuestra Próxima Estrella Program
The Madrid gathering forms part of a broader national initiative titled Nuestra Próxima Estrella,
or Our Next Star. Sponsored by CaixaBank, the program focuses on detecting and recruiting young athletic talent with disabilities across Spain. Beyond funding this discovery pipeline, the financial institution maintains sponsorships with the ADOP Plan and the Paralympic Triathlon Promises Team.
The Madrid session followed an initial stop in Valladolid at the end of May 2026.
To widen participation, CaixaBank distributed promotional videos and QR codes across its banking branch network. Interested candidates use an online application form to submit their personal details, physical characteristics, and sporting preferences before receiving invitations to scheduled drafts.
Upcoming Drafts and Pathway to Regular Club Training
Following the Madrid session, the Spanish Paralympic Committee has scheduled two additional draft events for the remainder of 2026. Barcelona will host a session on October 24, followed by an event in the Gran Canarian locality of Vecindario on November 21.
Once participants complete a draft and select their preferred sport, organizers provide personalized guidance to connect them with local clubs. This administrative follow-up ensures athletes can train regularly, develop their skills, and target high-level competition.
Worth a look
