Bartomeu presides Balearic Islands meeting

FC Barcelona president Josep Maria Bartomeu spent Friday 1 May at the XII Trobada de Penyes Barcelonistes de les Illes Balears in the town of Ferreries, Menorca, and in his speech described how optimistic he feels as the season draws to an end with the first team in contention to win all La Liga, the Champions League and the Copa del Rey.

“I want to share this excellent moment for the club with all of you” he said. “And that includes the supporters movement, with the formation of the new federation and the challenge to continue working for Barça. We are competing at the highest level. We are doing well because of the players and coaches, but also because of those of you who always give your support to the club. I want to send out a message of joy, optimism and desire for you all to continue feeling happy with our club. We will do all we can to win the titles you crave so much”.

The club was also represented by the director responsible for the supporters clubs, Pau Vilanova, former players from the Agrupació Barça Jugadors (ABJ) Pepito Ramos, Joan Estella and Joan Capó, the president of the Associació d’Antics Jugadors de bàsquet del FC Barcelona, Roger Esteller, and the secretary of the same association, Ramon Aloy.

The day started in the Penya Barcelonista de Ferreries clubhouse, where the visitors were welcomed by the president of the local club, Antoni Gonyalons, the mayor of Ferreries, Manuel Monerris, and the president of the Federació de Penyes Barcelonistes de les Illes Balears, Antoni Vallespir, among others.

After Bartomeu had signed the book of honour and attended a reception with the mayor, the next stop was the local sports hall to present the trophies for a 7-a-side tournament between the five ‘penyes’ in Menorca (Menorca, Ciutadella, es Castell, Alaior and Ferreries).

There were then gifts for all of the 32 clubs attending the XII Trobada de Penyes Barcelonistes de les illes Balears, which was attended by 300 people, including the councillor sport in the islands, Joan Josep Pons-Anglada.

A series of speeches by the different dignitaries brought an end to an intense day in the Balearic Islands.