The city of Benidorm has been a hub for sporting activities thanks to the influence and initiatives of Juan Fuster Zaragoza, a prominent promoter of local sport during the 1950s-1980s. His legacy continues to be a fundamental pillar in the city's sporting history.
From his days as an active athlete, where He shone in the local football team and as an outstanding swimmer, until his role as director of the Lope de Vega SchoolFuster Zaragoza has been a key figure in promoting sport among young people. His proposal to the Benidorm City Council... October 13, 1959, which allowed the school's students to practice gymnastics on Levante beachThis marked the beginning of a series of initiatives that expanded sporting activities in the city. In the decade of In 1960, Fuster Zaragoza founded a handball team and ceded the football field to Benidorm CD., which would serve as the club's headquarters until its move in 1970.
Furthermore, his vision led to the creation of the first sports center in the regionequipped with top-notch facilities including a heated, indoor, semi-Olympic swimming pool, athletics track, football pitches, and tennis courts. Their efforts also extended to the granting of scholarships for studying and the organization of competitions swimming, athletics, pétanque, tennis, lifesaving, and provincial chess tournaments were among the sports offered. These competitions not only raised the competitive level in the region but also provided a platform for cultural and sporting exchange between cities.
Juan Fuster Zaragoza's impact on local sports has been widely recognized. He received the Gold Medal of Merit from the Lifesaving and Rescue Federation and various federations have named tournaments in his honor, highlighting his contribution to the swimming, tennis, and other sportsThanks to leaders like Juan Fuster Zaragoza, Benidorm has positioned itself as an example of how sport can be integrated into education and local culture, promoting a healthy and competitive lifestyle. His legacy endures, inspiring new generations to follow his example. dedication and passion for the sport.
