Victoria Stadium Open Day

Today’s episode of Gibraltar Today was recorded live from the open day at Victoria Stadium. The doors were open to allow the public to see the place before its demolition in the autumn. An event is also being held this coming Saturday to pay tribute to a place that hold many special memories for local sportsmen and women.General Secretary of Gibraltar FA Ivan Robba explained what the plans are for the new stadium, not just for football but for other sports as well. He also spoke about a time capsule that is planned to be buried on the site filled with sporting memorabilia.It isn’t just football that has a long history at the Victoria Stadium: we spoke to John Goncalves, longtime president of the Gibraltar Amateur Basketball Association, about his memories, as well as what he sees for the future of basketball on the Rock following the announcement of the treaty agreement.Eddie Guerrero plays walking football at the Victoria Stadium at least three times a week. He told us how walking football blossomed on the Rock, and how it’s a great way for over 60s to keep fit and active.Luis Ghio is the oldest player in the walking football squad at 87 years old! He was presented with a shirt from the Governor Sir David Bathurst. He told us how football means everything to him. Jimmy Perez is part of the walking football but used to jump so high he would hit the crossbar with his foot! He reminisced how he started playing football at the Victoria Stadium with the U15s from the grammar school. Next we spoke to members of the amateur athletics association: Frank Carreras shared his earliest and most special memories of Victoria Stadium, from when his father would play cricket. Similarly, Sharon Celecia has memories from when she was 9 years old and started breaking records. Avelino Baldachino meanwhile is pleased that the love of athletics is very strong in the next generation as well.Paul Montegriffo, Assistant Manager of the Gibraltar Walking Football squad, explained how the side will continue to train at Victoria Stadium while construction is underway, as they prepare for an upcoming international competition in Malmo Sweden.Clive Beltran shared what Victoria Stadium means to him. He has memories from his early days but also from his time as a teacher. Many Gibraltarians have fond memories of the Sunshine Games from back in 1995: Linda Alvarez was a major part of those games and took us all down memory lane. It showed off what Gibraltar could do.Sports and Leisure Authority Chief Executive Rigan Lima is sad to see Victoria Stadium go but is happy to embrace new facilities with the new stadium. He explained the challenges over the years in managing the site especially when having to follow the UEFA rules and regulations.History runs in Charlie Cumbo’s blood: he’s been analysing the memorabilia at the Victoria Stadium that is on display as part of the open day.And, former captain of the national football side Roy Chipolina has countless memories at the stadium, and actually scored the last international goal there against Andorra. He told us what the new stadium will mean for Gibraltar football. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.