09.11.2007 18:51

15th anniversary of PB Santa Eulària des Riu

www.fcbarcelona.cat

The Penya Barcelonista Santa Eulària des Riu d'Eivissa (Balearic Islands) has celebrated its 15th anniversary, at which FC Barcelona was represented by Mateu Mas, a member of the social commission, and former player Julio Alberto Moreno.

Also in attendance were Vicente Narí, the mayor of Santa Eulària des Riu, accompanied by his deputy, Salvador Llosa.

Gala supper

After the reception, which took place at the club’s headquarters, a gala supper was held. Some one hundred people were present, including representatives of the Penya Barcelonista de Formentera, led by its president, Xavier Guasch, the Penya Barcelonista Miquel Àngel Nadal, from Manacor-Porto Cristo, as well as Joan Roldán, a well known figure in the Barça supporting world in the islands. The menu was typically Mallorcan, followed by the traditional birthday cake and the ensuing party, which was led by Pere Juan, president of the host club and its founding president, Paco Tur. The two encouraged the celebrations, which hit their peak with a passionate rendition of the Barça anthem.

Speeches

The joy and great atmosphere were contagious, and this was carried on into the speeches started by the mayor of Ibiza, Vicente Narí, who spoke in praise of the football team and ended with a triumphant “Visca el Barça!”, which was particularly significant coming from a self-confessed Espanyol supporter. The mayor exchanged gifts with FC Barcelona and the local supporters club. Mateu Mas spoke very well of the work the supporters club has done over its fifteen years of existence, and thanked the mayor for his kind words and reminded listeners that the 2009 Balearic Meeting will be held in Ibiza.

Julio Alberto gets biggest cheer

As is normal wherever he goes, Julio Alberto received the most rapturous applause, which was even louder after he had explained what the club’s charity work involves, something that he is playing a central role in.

An unforgettable day

It was an intense and memorable day for Barcelona supporters, comparable to the time they were visited by Joan Laporta, president of FC Barcelona, on August 8, 2003, shortly after he had been elected to the post. That was the first time a current president had visited the club since its foundation in 1992. Then vice president Nicolau Casaus had represented FC Barcelona on the day the club was inaugurated.

The Penya Barcelonista Santa Eulària des Riu is the only one of the three that were around in 1992 that is still active. Its crest still figures on gate 97 of the Camp Nou, and members of the supporters club regularly travel to Barcelona to watch their beloved side play. They have also followed the club on several away trips in Europe and have been represented at World Meetings.