23.02.2008 12:43

The Osona and Ripollès Supporters’ Clubs at Ribes de Freser

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No-one wanted to miss the big Osona and Ripollès Supporters’ Club event last 17 February.

The fourteen supporters’ clubs in the area were present at the 25th Anniversary event for the Vall de Ribes SC commemorated by the V Osona and Ripollès Supporters’ Clubs Meeting.

The V Osona and Ripollès Supporters’ Clubs Meeting took place after a great matchday for Barça. “5 points behind Madrid means it’s game on” said the 150 Barça fans at Ribes de Freser.

Optimism and emotion

Optimism was mixed with emotion throughout the day, especially in the case of the chair of the Vall de Ribes SC, Enric Requena, who founded the club. The years of effort put in were obvious in the organisation of a great day, helped by the delegate of the local Consultative Council, Xavier Canudas.

Requena couldn’t hide his feelings at the reception given by local dignitaries at the Town Hall. Barça was represented by club director Joan Boix, the director of the Social Commission Pere Jané and ex-player Julio Alberto. Joan Boix expressed his appreciation for the warm welcome extended by Mayor Marc Prat and the supporters’ clubs.

Lunch

The central event of the day was lunch at the Hotel Restaurant Sant Antoni attended by 150 Barça fans from 17 Catalan supporters’ clubs. FC Barcelona director Joan Boix said he remembered Ribes de Freser as a lovely village as it had been the starting point for many hikes in his youth. He also said Barça is the world’s third richest club but the only one which has achieved three major agreements through its Foundation: with UNICEF, UNESCO and the UNHCR. Boix said that all Barça fans should be proud that their club is giving hope to people who have no daily access to health, water and food.

Ex-FC Barcelona player Julio Alberto Moreno thanked attendees for their support and said that he had never felt so appreciated by the world of Barça as now. Indeed, his work in the Social Section of the club with the supporters’ clubs and the Foundation has made him into an example for all.

The lunch ended with the presentation of institutional gifts by all the supporters’ clubs, the Town Hall and FC Barcelona.

Parade and Catalan dances

The V Meeting began early in the morning with the streets of the town decorated in the club colours by the banners brought by the supporters’ clubs from Osona and Ripollès. The parade also featured the carnival Giants of Ribes and the Cobla Principal band from Manresa. A stop was made along the route for the FC Barcelona representatives to visit the HQ of the host supporters’ club and sign its visitor’s book.

When the parade finished three pieces of music for traditional Catalan dances were played in the Market Square.