During his visit to La Seu d'Urgell, the Catalan Minister of Sports, Álvarez, emphasized the importance of the 2027 Kayak and Canoe World Championships to be held in the city. He equated this event with other high-impact sporting occasions in Catalonia, such as the Tour de France, the upcoming 2029 Champions League final at Camp Nou, or the 2030 Football World Cup.
The minister highlighted that such events are crucial for raising the profile of regions outside the Barcelona metropolitan area. The objective for La Seu d'Urgell is to leverage the World Championships to solidify the city as a hub for whitewater sports and enhance the Parc del Segre.
Álvarez provided a positive assessment of the first two years of the Department of Sports, noting improvements in facilities, administrative processes, and event organization. He described the approach as "pragmatic and realistic," indicating that some planned actions have been completed ahead of schedule, while acknowledging that "half a term" still remains.
Regarding the construction of the new INEFC Pirineus (Catalan Institute of Physical Education), the minister confirmed that work is progressing as planned, with completion anticipated in July 2027. The current budget is approximately 11 million euros, with a 4 million euro contribution from the Generalitat. The center's location, overlooking the Cadí mountain range, aligns with the philosophy of INEFC Pirineus, aiming for integration with the natural environment.
