Gijón, Spain – The Real Sporting de Gijón is taking its planned “Paseo de la Fama” – Walk of Fame – beyond the physical avenue of El Molinón, launching a complementary digital experience to honor the club’s 48 legendary figures. The project, a long-held ambition of the Asociación Anselmo López, is now moving forward thanks to an agreement with the Gijón City Council.
The digital extension will allow fans worldwide to delve deeper into the history and careers of the players, coaches, and presidents who have shaped Sporting’s 120-year legacy. The initiative aims to make the celebration of these figures more accessible and interactive than a physical location alone could provide.
A Virtual Extension Built by Local Talent
The development of the online platform will be spearheaded by the newly created Taller de Empleo Sporting (Sporting Employment Workshop). Managed by the Agencia Local de Empleo, under the direction of Carla Álvarez within the concejalía (council) of Ángela Pumariega, the workshop provides valuable employment opportunities while contributing to the club’s historical preservation efforts. This program is designed to offer job skills training to individuals over the age of 30.
Visitors to the physical “Paseo de la Fama” will be able to scan QR codes located on each commemorative plaque. These codes will link directly to the website, providing detailed historical context, multimedia resources, and interactive elements related to each honoree. Future plans include incorporating features like interactive maps, mini-games, and experiences leveraging artificial intelligence and augmented reality.
Employment and Skill Development
The project isn’t just about honoring Sporting’s past; it’s also about investing in the future of the local community. The Taller de Empleo Sporting will provide 26 employment positions for unemployed individuals over 30 who possess certifications in web application development, general administrative support, and special education assistance. The workshop will be led by a director, a part-time technical supervisor, and three full-time monitors.
The website’s development will unfold in three phases throughout the year. The initial phase will establish the core platform, followed by the integration of artificial intelligence and augmented reality features to enhance user interaction with the Sporting legends. A “smart guide” is also planned, which will recognize a visitor’s location along the physical route and provide tailored, additional information.
From Dream to Digital Reality
The idea for the “Paseo de la Fama” originated with the Asociación Anselmo López in 2012. What began as a vision for a physical tribute near El Molinón has now evolved into a comprehensive, multi-faceted project thanks to advancements in technology. The association’s dedication to “the conservation, study, and dissemination of Sporting’s history” has been instrumental in bringing this project to fruition.
The digital component will run parallel to the construction of the physical “Paseo de la Fama” along Avenida de El Molinón. The workshop will simultaneously develop its virtual counterpart, aiming to create a continuously evolving and comprehensive resource for Sporting fans.
The project represents a significant step in preserving and celebrating the rich history of Real Sporting de Gijón, ensuring that the stories of its greatest figures are accessible to fans for generations to come. The integration of technology not only enhances the experience but also provides valuable employment and training opportunities within the Gijón community.
Anselmo López Sánchez, the club’s founder and first president, will undoubtedly be a central figure honored on the “Paseo de la Fama.” López, who also served as Sporting’s goalkeeper, played a pivotal role in establishing the club in 1905 and continued to contribute as a delegate until 1918. His legacy embodies the spirit of dedication and passion that defines Real Sporting de Gijón.
The club and the Asociación Anselmo López recently held a productive meeting in Mareo to discuss the project, reaffirming their commitment to maintaining El Molinón as the oldest stadium in Spanish professional football and to undertaking necessary renovations. Both parties expressed satisfaction with the progress and the collaborative spirit of the initiative.
As construction of the physical “Paseo de la Fama” progresses, the Taller de Empleo Sporting will continue to build its digital twin, promising a more complete and innovative experience for fans of the Rojiblancos.
