Rafel Niubò Baqué accepted the Medalla d’Or al Mèrit Esportiu from mayor Jaume Collboni at the Saló de Cent. Barcelona’s highest sports distinction recognizes an approach that has shaped how the city thinks about athletics: for Niubò, sport means access and equality alongside competition.
At the October 8, 2026, ceremony, Collboni credited Niubò’s grassroots vision with opening participation to people across Barcelona. The Barcelona City Council documented the mayor’s remarks, which pointed to a model that has drawn international attention. Europa Press confirmed the event and its official record.
Born in Barcelona in 1956, Niubò helped found Escola d’Iniciació Esportiva de les Corts and UBAE. He also served as UBAE’s director general and helped launch Unió Barcelonesa d’Activitats Esportives. Both organizations put community and access at the center. His work reached beyond the city: Niubò played a role in the European Union’s Forum of Sports and led the Confederación Europea de Deporte y Salud from 1995 to 2003. As president of the European Confederation of Sport and Health, he helped shape European sports policy and promote health through sport across the continent. Mundo Deportivo reported that his model, grounded in inclusion and health, became a reference point across Europe.
As secretari general de l’Esport de la Generalitat de Catalunya from 2004 to 2006, Niubò pushed for Catalan teams to assert their identity. The Unió de Federacions Esportives de Catalunya awarded him its gold medal in 2009. He later served as secretary general of the vice presidency of the Generalitat de Catalunya and now sits on the Consell Municipal de l’Esport de l’Ajuntament de Barcelona.
His book “Barcelona y el deporte, un modelo de éxito” (2025) takes a closer look at the city’s approach. David Escudé, the city’s sports councillor, attended the ceremony, signaling institutional support for the award.
Barcelona’s sporting life has weathered shocks and recoveries. Niubò’s approach, grounded in openness and shared participation, offers an alternative to exclusion. By awarding him the Medalla d’Or al Mèrit Esportiu, the city has made a public commitment to those values. The recognition comes as Barcelona’s priorities face scrutiny, keeping Niubò’s model in the spotlight.
