A few days to enjoy the beach but above all sports. Nearly 4,000 youngsters from 23 countries are meeting in Benidorm and other municipalities in the province for the 29th edition of the Costa Blanca Cup, which has already become the world’s biggest trophy. Bringing together 287 teams from five continents, it is the “most international” of the last ten years. The Julio Iglesias auditorium in the Parque de l’Aigüera in the tourism capital hosted the opening gala of this event on Monday.
After starting their walk on the beach of Poniente, members of all participating teams reached the Julio Iglesias auditorium. From last Sunday afternoon until the 8th, total 674 matches 19 football fields and 7 futsal fields in 16 men’s and 7 women’s categories.
Likewise, there is something new in this edition of the Costa Blanca Cup Inclusive, where teams of functionally diverse players compete: participation of two wheelchair football teams: Valencia CF and Valencia UniversityWhen they arrived at the Julio Iglesias auditorium, they were greeted standing by all the athletes of the tournament. A discipline aspiring Paralympics, both A-Ball teams faced each other this Tuesday specifically at Palau d’Esports l’Illa in Benidorm, with the result 4-2 in favor of the UPV team.
This tournament is held at other venues such as Benissa, Calp, Altea, l’Alfàs del Pi, La Nucía, Polop, Finestrat, La Vila Joiosa and Callosa d’En Sarrià. Ana Pellicer, the first deputy mayor; Sports Councilor Javier Jordá; district deputy José Ramón González de Zárate; Members of the City Council attended the opening. Pellicer invited all athletes to “participate” in making the most of this experience.in one of the most important tournaments in Europe”, “you are the soul and reason for being”; and reassured them that “there is no better way to start the summer than with football and in Benidorm”.
He emphasized his “values”.friendship, teamwork, respect, empathy, discipline and sacrifice” which “instilled” football and gave a clear message to the participants: “Always compete with respect and play to be happy”. Finally, he wished the players, coaching staff and families of the tournament “the happiest stays in Benidorm and elsewhere”.