Villena is set to celebrate a milestone in basketball history as the Sports Council member Maite Gandía and the president of V-74 Basketball Club, Pepe Vilches, outline a year of commemorations for the club’s 50th anniversary. A highlight of the program will be a visit from a legendary figure in Spanish basketball, Felipe Reyes, who will be present for a special day planned to honor the club and its supporters.
A dedicated commission has been formed to organize activities across the twelve months of this year. The signature event opens on Saturday, October 28, with Reyes joining the celebrations. Reyes had a storied 23-season professional career, securing 24 national championships and appearing in 236 games for the Spanish national team, ranking him among the most capped players in the country’s history. His list of achievements includes a World Championship in 2006, three European titles, and two Olympic gold medals.
As Vilches noted, the gathering promises to be memorable: a morning book signing to honor Reyes will lead into a guided town tour that will showcase notable sites such as the castle and local treasury. The afternoon schedule continues with a club event followed by a talk featuring current club players, offering insights into the club’s values and its journey through the years.
In the late afternoon, at 17:30, the sports center will host a photo session where residents can capture moments with Reyes. The schedule then moves to a formal club introduction at 19:00, highlighting that this year’s roster includes 13 teams and about 160 players spanning youth to senior levels. After the introductions, a pair of senior men’s and women’s games will be played at 20:30, featuring matchups between local teams Elda and Petrer.
Gandía emphasized the community spirit of the occasion, noting the club’s resurgence in the post-pandemic era and expressing hope thatmany residents will come out to join the celebration. The event aims to honor the club’s legacy while showcasing its current momentum on and off the court. The invitation also invites residents to come to the sports center in the afternoon to meet Reyes and participate in promoting the club’s important role in the community.
Throughout the year, organizers intend to blend longtime traditions with new programs that engage fans, families, and young athletes. The anniversary activities are designed to reflect the club’s history, celebrate its present growth, and inspire future generations to pursue sport with passion and teamwork. The community response to the anniversary plan has been positive, with local leaders underscoring the value of sport in bringing people together and fostering civic pride. [CITATION: City of Villena Sports Council and V-74 Basketball Club leadership]