The activity will take place from 10:00 AM at the Bernardo Ruiz pavilion and will combine a motivational talk, a practical session, and an exhibition match. The presentation of the event was attended by the Sports Councilor, Víctor Sigüenza; the Social Welfare Councilor, Agustina Rodríguez; the Education Councilor, Vicente Pina; the project organizer, Antonio Falcó; and several club players.
“"From the Department of Sports, we firmly believe that sports should be for everyone, without barriers, and this project fits perfectly with the line of work we are promoting."
Sigüenza highlighted that it is “a very special and different initiative” with which Orihuela will be able to get to know an adapted discipline that serves as a tool for inclusion, coexistence, and awareness. The councilor explained that the program is promoted by the Afric Sports Club together with the Universitat Politècnica de València, through UPV IN, and has the support of the Generalitat Valenciana.
The event will allow attendees not only to watch but also to experience this adapted sport firsthand. In this regard, the councilor noted that “it is not just about watching sports, but about living them and understanding the effort and technique behind wheelchair football”.
The Orihuela City Council has also focused on the continuity of the project beyond this specific event. As Sigüenza explained, the goal is for this proposal to open new opportunities for people with disabilities to maintain their involvement in sports. “We want this initiative not to be a one-off, but to generate real opportunities for participation,” he added.
For his part, Antonio Falcó explained that 'A-Ball al Poble' was born with the intention of bringing wheelchair football and inclusive sports to municipalities throughout the Valencian Community, especially to those where these types of initiatives are more difficult to implement. Orihuela has been chosen as a strategic point to start the program in the province of Alicante, with the intention of later expanding its reach to nearby towns.
The event will be divided into three distinct blocks: a first block aimed at people with disabilities and reduced mobility; a second focused on students from educational centers, with awareness activities; and a third consisting of an exhibition match to encourage public participation. The City Council has encouraged residents to attend this activity, which is open to the public so that anyone interested can learn about this sport and participate in an experience focused on inclusion and equal opportunities.
