On Saturday, October 11, Madrid’s El Retiro Park will turn into a real sports arena to celebrate the Olympic Sports Day. There will be more than 30 free activities such as archery, cycling, field hockey, athletics or table tennis. In addition, great sports figures such as Carolina Marín, María Pérez, Damián Quintero or Ayoub Ghadfa will sign autographs and share their Olympic experiences to inspire the attendees.
The event, organized by the Madrid City Council in collaboration with the Spanish Olympic Committee (COE), will be held in the morning and afternoon: from 12:00 to 15:00 and from 17:00 to 20:00. The Paseo de Fernán Núñez will be the main protagonist, as it is in this area of El Retiro where the activities will be held.
Values for life
Under the slogan “From the base to the sky“, the Olympic Sports Day aims to pay tribute to sport and the efforts of Madrid’s clubs, where many of the elite athletes begin their careers. It is aimed at families and athletes, with the aim of promoting the effort, self-improvement and companionship that define sport.
For the delegate of Culture, Tourism and Sport, Marta Rivera de la Cruz, “sport is a perfect rehearsal for life“, as it teaches values such as dedication, respect for the rules and frustration management. This is what she explained to the media at the presentation of the Sports Day, where she also stressed that Madrid is a power in all areas and that sport is “as important” as major events.
Sport for all
Olympic Sports Day organizes more than 30 activities aimed at all audiences. Archery, cycling, field hockey, American soccer, table tennis, ground golf (a simpler version of golf), athletics and soccer will be some of the sports that can be practiced . For motorcycling fans, there will also be X-Trial exhibitions, a modality that is practiced in closed circuits and that tests technique, balance and control over the bike to overcome obstacles.
In addition, there will be options of adapted sports to ensure the inclusiveness of people in wheelchairs. For example, the day will feature handbikes (adapted bicycles) and wheelchair tennis. Finally, self-protection activities will be held and spaces will be dedicated to health and safe sports.
Motivation of medalists and clubs
For this event, there is no better inspiration than the great national athletes who have won Olympic medals. Attendees will be able to talk to and get the signatures of Carolina Marín, triple Badminton world champion; the marching athlete María Pérez, winner of four consecutive gold medals; the karate runner-up Damián Quintero or the boxer Ayoub Ghadfa, who won silver at the Paris 2024 Olympic Games.
The basis of all these achievements lies in the sports clubs, federations and foundations that promote Olympic values. For this reason, the Blanca Fernández Ochoa Foundation, the Emilio Sánchez Vicario Foundation, the Spanish Footballers Association, the Sports Museum and the Spanish Olympic Committee, among others, will also be present on Saturday, October 11.