The Municipal Sports Board (PME) in Valls, Tarragona, began its 40th-anniversary celebrations on 31 October 2025, with a special event at the Joana Ballart Pavilion. The ceremony recognised individuals who have shaped the organisation over four decades, including current and former staff, as well as past councillors who presided over the board.
Representatives from local sports clubs and organisations also attended the intimate gathering. Valls Mayor Dolors Farré led the event, joined by Estefania Serrano, the territorial representative for sport in Camp de Tarragona.
A key moment was the recognition of all staff members, past and present. Eduard Moreno, the longest-serving employee and a driving force behind the PME's creation, received a commemorative sweatshirt from Enric Garcia, the current Sports Councillor and PME president. This symbolic gesture represented all personnel, and the board will now present these sweatshirts to everyone involved with the organisation.
Generations of Involvement
The event, hosted by journalists Aina Mallol and Montse Solé, saw an emotional moment when members of the Giraldos and Villaró families took to the stage. These families represent four and three generations, respectively, actively participating in the Sports Board's activities.
A commemorative video was shown during the celebration. It featured testimonials from various individuals connected to the PME over its 40 years. The video included former employees with over three decades of experience, older residents who found a community and health benefits through the PME, and new arrivals who integrated into the city via sport. Notable athletes like marathon runner Marta Galimany and roller hockey player Jepi Selva also shared their personal experiences and their connection to the Municipal Sports Board.
The PME also unveiled its redesigned graphic image, created by Dani Rull, and a new institutional slogan: “Fes esport, fes Valls” (Do sport, make Valls). This slogan aims to summarise the values of physical activity and a sense of belonging to the city.
Honouring Past Leadership
The ceremony continued with the presentation of commemorative medals to the ten individuals who have chaired the PME over the years. These included Ramon Sendra Vidal, Josep Sanjuan Güell (whose granddaughter Núria Marchamalo accepted on his behalf), Bonaventura Camps Sanromà, Anton Úbeda Gaya, Carme Mansilla Cabré, Judit Fàbregas Gaya, Manel Odina Roig, Eduard Gonzàlez Ribas, and Enric Garcia Carmona.
Mayor Dolors Farré concluded the evening with a speech, stating that “doing sport is taking care of ourselves, it is growing, it is sharing. And therefore, doing sport is also building a city, it is building a better city.” She added, “These are 40 years of success and 40 years of shared history that have made the Board the home of sport and athletes in Valls. 40 years at the service of the people of Valls, and 40 years also alongside sports clubs and organisations.”
The 40th-anniversary celebrations for the Municipal Sports Board will continue throughout 2026 with a programme of activities open to all citizens, organisations, and athletes in Valls. The PME currently serves over 6,000 weekly users, not only from Valls but also from the wider Alt Camp and Conca de Barberà regions.
With four decades of work, the PME continues to promote sport, health, and social cohesion, establishing itself as an essential part of Valls' sporting life.
