Mini Olympics come to Pego

PEGO has taken over from Denia as the headquarters of this year’s Marina Alta Minijocs children’s Olympic games.

The 14th edition of the event will take place from May 19 to 21, with an estimated 1,200 children and young teenagers from all over the district expected to take part.

Events will include athletics, football, basketball, five­a­side football, rhythmic gymnastics, handball, tennis, Valencian pilota, chess, swimming, volleyball, paddle tennis, karate, sailing and horse riding, among others.

The Minijocs will kick off with an inauguration ceremony at the Pujol athletics track, which, mirroring the Olympic Games, will feature all the participants from the different towns entering the venue and a stage show directed by local choreographer Marc Pons.

The second day will feature the bulk of the sporting events at the Pujol track, Cervantes football ground, Trilladora sports centre, the local Tennis Club and the Ausiàs March indoor pavilion, as well as Santa Teresa and Pere Sala streets, where the traditional pilota valenciana matches will take place.

All cycling events will take place at the Club Ciclista, and sailing regattas will be held at the Marjal marshes.

In addition, a series of leisure and cultural events for children and teenagers have also been scheduled, including Zumba and ballet classes, nature workshops and educational activities.

The Mini Jocs 2023 will close on Sunday May 21 with the award ceremony and a show by local dance, ballet and Zumba experts.