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Barcelona: A Sporty City

The history of sport of Catalonia is filled with iconic moments. The symbiosis between the city and physical activity has existed since the 19th Century. The first sporting competition in Barcelona, a rowing race, took place in early 1821
By Fabiola Chirinos
10/31/2016
The history of sport of Catalonia is filled with iconic moments. The symbiosis between the city and physical activity has existed since the 19th Century. The first sporting competition in Barcelona, a rowing race, took place in early 1821.

Since then, its growth has been huge and this has been accompanied by large scale sports events. One of the most remarkable of these was the Olympic Games back in 1992, when the city was elected to host such an important event… Why was it elected? Barcelona counts on an impressive network of municipal sport center complexes that, together with private centers, make it easy for its citizens to do their favorite physical activities.

Barcelona Sports Events

For this reason, Barcelona is considered the European city with the largest number of people who practice sports. Besides, the attention that its competitions generate makes Barcelona a paradise for athletes. Whether it is la Cursa de El Corte Inglés that attracts more than 60,000 participants annually, la carrera de la Mercé of Jean Bouin or la Milla Sagrada Familia, the sports have become a part of Barcelona’s daily routine and a focus of attention for athletes from all over the world.

As a city, Barcelona offers everything to its citizens and visitors: from the above mentioned sports, activities on the streets, to its beaches and sea for water sports, from its famous clubs to its fondness for motor sports, it seems like anything you can imagine is possible. There are also many other places where adrenaline and extreme life are present. That is the case of the Villa Olimpica and Ciutat Vella, both ideal places for skaters and bicycle-riders.

The Home Team: FC Barcelona

With this physical development catalogue, you cannot avoid visiting this city and enjoy not only a good exercise, but also a good vacation. If you add being a fan to FC Barcelona to your adventure, this experience will be one to remember. Without a doubt, the seat of honor that the city’s football team holds is at the top of all of the physical activities mentioned. Recognized worldwide, with first category players and a winner of the most important football trophies, Barça – as it is called - is the pride of the whole region, and is indeed supported by football fans all over the world.

Tennis in the City: The Conde de Godó Tournament

On the other hand, Barcelona is also considered the capital of Spanish tennis. The time, quantity and prestige of many clubs, being the usual venue of the Davis Cup tournaments, have made its fame grow. Besides, it boasts the famous Torneo Conde de Godó, one of the most important world tennis competitions.

Ultimately, with its more than 48 sport events open to all members of the public and professionals during the year, together with the amount of different sports clubs, Barcelona is the representation of a society that comprises the importance of physical activity for the development of its citizens. Should you wish to visit this marvelous city, do not miss the chance to enjoy these activities: live sports, live Barcelona.