The Ilicitano Sports Gala crowned a day of celebration on Saturday, June 11, turning Elche into a stage where athletic excellence took center stage from the first bell to the final applause. The event showcased a lineup of decisive performances and closed with a roster of champions who shone brightly in 2021, including notable figures such as boxer Kiko Martínez, swimmer Ángela Martínez, and the Elche Handball Club, all recognized as standout athletes and organizations of the season.
In the main categories, Kiko Martínez for men and Ángela Martínez for women earned the Ciutat d’Elx awards as the top athletes of the previous season. Martínez, who secured a world championship title before suffering a contentious title defense, stood among the day’s most discussed stories. Ángela Martínez, with two qualification points toward the World Cup in Budapest, underscored the event’s emphasis on perseverance and high performance across disciplines.
The Elche Handball Club received the Ajuntament d’Elx award for the best sporting establishment following a remarkable stretch that included winning the Queen’s Cup and the Spanish Super Cup within a few months, signaling strong teamwork and a broad impact on the local sports scene. The attendance reflected the community’s growing enthusiasm for handball and the sustained momentum of the club on national and European stages.
The remainder of the ceremony highlighted ongoing development across Elche’s sports ecosystem. The Elche Tennis Club swimming division was honored for its ongoing contribution to promoting aquatic sports, while the Elx Ciutat d’Esports designation acknowledged the sustained support for sport across the city. The Ilicitano Basketball Club earned recognition in the EBA League, and the juniors’ final standings highlighted a thriving youth pipeline. The Dama d’Elx association, described as a Sports Club Without Adjectives, was celebrated for its humanitarian values and community involvement. Meanwhile, Ascensores Serki from Palmerar d’Elx was thanked for its continued sponsorship of local athletics, illustrating the important role of local businesses in sustaining sport at the grassroots level.
The gala also highlighted individual achievements beyond the city’s borders. Cyclist Ariadna Ródenas, noted for European masters titles and victory at the Titan Desert, and swimmer Luis Paredes Marco received separate recognitions for their strong results. The women’s teams at Elche CF and Joventut d’Elx were acknowledged for their competitive performances, underlining the breadth of Elche’s athletic talent. Additionally, special commendations were extended to Tokyo Olympians Raúl Martínez and Óscar Gil, whose dedication to training and competition was celebrated. The evening also honored lifelong contributors to sport, including María Ángeles Urbán, Paco Martínez Carratalá, Laura Cámara, and Paco Durá, for their enduring commitment to promoting sports participation and accessibility in the community.
After three years without a gala, the Sports Gala concluded with a sense of closure and optimism, marking a triumphant end to a day that showcased Elche’s robust sporting spirit and the city’s ongoing commitment to nurturing talent at every level.