A high-profile Karate delegation visited Andorra to discuss the participation of the sport in the 2025 Games of the Small States of Europe.
The karate delegation was led by Small States of Europe Karate Federation (SSEKF) President Andreas Vasileiou and European Karate Federation (EKF) General Secretary Davor Cipek and included SSEKF Sports Director Veljko Brnovic and the President of the Andorra Karate Federation, Xavier Herver.
During their visit, the karate delegation met with key officials, including Andorra’s Secretary of State for Sport, Alain Cabanes. The delegation also toured the headquarters of the Andorra Olympic Committee, where they held meetings with President Jaume Martí Mandicó, in a gathering that also had Secretary General Antonio Guerra, Manager Jordi Orteu, and Project Manager Claudia Espot in attendance.
Moreover, the Karate representatives met with the Mayor and Vice Mayor of Sant Julia de Loria, Cerni Cairat and Sofia Cortesao, respectively. These meetings focused on collaboration and planning for the successful integration of karate into the 2025 Games.
The Karate delegation poses with the Andorra Secretary of State for Sport, Alain Cabanes.
The Games of the Small States of Europe, one of the most significant sporting events for these countries, will see karate make its debut in the programme in 2025. This inclusion marks a milestone for the sport and highlights its growing popularity and competitive spirit within the region.
The SSEKF is regarded as one of the most active regional organisations in the karate community. This year, the federation is celebrating its 10th edition of the Small States of Europe Karate Championships, which will take place in Monaco from November 1 to 3.
(Top picture: From left to right: President of the Andorra Karate Federation Xavier Herver, SSEKF President Andreas Vasileiou, President of Andorra Olympic Committee Jaume Martí Mandicó, Secretary General of Andorra Olympic Committee Antonio Guerra, EKF General Secretary Davor Cipek, and SSEKF Sports Director Veljko Brnovic.)
Representatives of Karate met with the Mayor of Sant Julia de Loria Cerni Cairat (Centre) and Vice Mayor Sofia Cortesao.
Mr Vasileiou, Mr Brnovic, Mr Cipek, and Mr Herver pose at the Sant Julia de Loira town hall.
The Karate delegation visited the sports hall of Sant Julia de Loira with Vice Mayor Sofia Cortesao and Sports hall Manager Oscar Balcells.