Cardoner presides I Meeting of Supporters Clubs from l'Empordà and Catalunya Nord

Torroella de Montgrí was the venue on March 29 for the I Trobada de Penyes Barcelonistes de l’Empordà i Catalunya Nord, which was well represented by an FC Barcelona delegation headed by the vice-president of the Social Area, Jordi Cardoner, and the director responsible for supporters clubs, Pau Vilanova.

The day started with a meeting at the PB Montgrí i Comarca clubhouse, attended by former player and member of the Barça Players Group, Pere Valentí Mora, Barça director from the region, Dídac Lee, Jordi Roura, sports director for youth football and Aureli Altimira, sports coordinator of youth football, among others.

The next stop was Baix Empordà Town Hall, where they were welcomed by the mayor, Jordi Cordón, posed for group photos and exchanged gifts.

Next on a busy agenda in Torroella de Montgrí was an institutional event in the Auditori Espai Ter that got the Meeting proper under way. Sister Lucía Caram was there to present the project ‘Tots contra la pobresa infantil’, a charity programme against youth poverty that is running in association with the supporters movement.

The most emotional moment was the presentation of the I Premi Tito Vilanova to Jordi Roura and Aureli Altimira in memory of their later former colleague.

The day ended with a gala dinner attended by some 500 people.

Statement by vice-president of the Social Area, Jordi Cardoner:

“This is a special meeting. Not just because 500 Barça fans have come, but because it also falls on Palm Sunday, such a family occasion. And here is the club as a family, in representation of its most social meaning. We have also come here to remember Tito Vilanova with people who loved him”.

“Events like this make us more than a club. We have shared together the values that bind this club together. The idea to name an award after Tito Vilanova shows how much he loved l’Empordà and how the region loved him back. The memories he left at Barça are as strong as they were on the very first day”.

Statement by Jordi Roura:

“The initiative to present a Tito Vilanova award is extraordinary, because it’s such a nice way to remember him. I feel so proud that the people of l’Empordà, Tito’s homeland, should feel that Aureli and I deserve to collect this award”.