The Caló de s’Oli Auditorium in Sant Josep was the setting for the presentation of the Sports Awards of the Consell de Ibiza, an event that each year pays tribute to athletes and organizations that have stood out for their career and achievements.
In this edition, the great protagonist has been Alejandro Díaz Tirado, elected Best Athlete of 2024, after becoming the first Ibizan to participate in the Paralympic Games.
A year of success for Díaz Tirado
Díaz Tirado achieved a ninth position in both singles and doubles at the Paris 2024 Paralympic Games, consolidating his position as one of the references of adapted table tennis at national level. In addition, his achievements in 2024 include the title of Spanish Class 8 individual champion, gold in Open Foot doubles and silver in teams at the national championship. At the international level, he won a silver medal and three bronze med als in the PARA OPEN tournaments of the International Table Tennis Federation.
The jury has valued not only his sporting achievements, but also his impact on the visibility of adapted sport and his contribution to the growth of this discipline in Ibiza.
Recognition of entities and figures of Ibizan sport
In addition to the award to Díaz Tirado, the gala honored other protagonists of sport on the island. Servicios Palau has been recognized as Best Sponsoring Entity, for its support to local clubs. In the category of Best Individual, the award went to José Marí Juan, former president of Club Nàutic Santa Eulària, who for more than 30 years has worked to improve the club’s infrastructure and promote the passion for the sea among young people and adults.
As for the federations, the Table Tennis Delegation has been distinguished as the Best Federation of 2024, thanks to its technification program that has allowed it to obtain five medals in national championships and the historic classification of an Ibizan for the Paralympic Games.
The award for Best Sports Team has gone to Sant Josep.net-Sant Jordi table tennis, which after a brilliant season in 2024 achieved promotion to the Men’s Superdivision, the highest national category. For its part, the Badminton Club Pitiús has been recognized as Best Sports Club, highlighting its trajectory since 2005 and its consolidation as a reference both at the island and national level.
Special mentions and tribute to the trajectory
The Sports Awards have also included several special mentions in recognition of figures and entities that have left their mark on Ibizan sport:
- ADDIF (Association of Athletes with Disabilities of Ibiza and Formentera), for its work in the integration of people with functional diversity in the field of sports.
- Penya Esportiva Sant Jordi, which celebrated its 75th anniversary in 2024.
- Marcela Ribas Cano, for her dedication to synchronized swimming and her more than 20 years leading the Club Sincro Ibiza.
- Miguel Tur Torres, for his 16 years at the head of the Ibiza Cycling Federation and his role as assembly member of the Balearic Federation.
- Vicente Bufí Tur, for his tireless work in the promotion of Ibizan soccer.
- Paco Quirós (posthumously), pioneer of athletics on the island.
- Teodoro Blázquez (posthumously), for his contribution to the development of Balearic judo.
- Julia Cano (posthumously), for her promotion of women’s sports in Ibiza and her legacy in disciplines such as volleyball, basketball and gymnastics.
A promising future for sport in Ibiza
The president of the Consell de Ibiza, Vicent Marí, closed the gala by emphasizing that Ibiza is an island with a strong sports culture and that these awards are a reflection of the effort and dedication of its athletes.
“The success of each of the award winners is also the success of the whole island, which believes in sport as a fundamental pillar for its development,” said Marí.
With these awards, Ibizan sport continues to demonstrate its ability to generate references and promote values such as effort, self-improvement and commitment to the community.
