Por Pablo Arranz 
El ‘president’ de la Generalitat, Carlos Mazón, ha anunciado este viernes que la administración autonómica cede «de forma gratuita» al Ayuntamiento de Sant Joan d’Alacant (Alicante) un solar de más de 12.800 metros cuadrados (m2) para ampliar su polideportivo municipal.
El jefe del Consell ha rubricado un protocolo de intenciones junto con el alcalde de la localidad, Santiago Román, en el que el gobierno valenciano se compromete a una cesión inicial de los terrenos por diez años prorrogables hasta alcanzar los 20.
During his speech, Mazón pointed out that «Sant Joan is experiencing a moment of great sporting intensity with clubs that are functioning very well and attracting new athletes, so it is essential that they can offer suitable facilities for all their users.»
In this regard, he indicated that «this is one of the reasons that explain the need for this sports center to expand to meet a growing demand for sports activities,» and he mentioned that the future expansion will turn this infrastructure «into one of the focal points of Sant Joan for residents to enjoy a space for social interaction,» as reported by the Generalitat in a statement.
Similarly, the ‘president’ of the Generalitat highlighted that «any modern and advanced society understands that sports are no longer just a pastime, but rather health and especially beneficial for mental health.»
He also stated that «a community that engages in physical exercise reduces pharmaceutical expenses, hospitalizations, and extends its average lifespan.» «When people participate in any type of sports activity, they also combat loneliness better than anyone else and acquire values such as teamwork or the culture of effort, which translates into prosperity and longevity,» he added.
In this context, the ‘president’ conveyed the Consell’s «commitment to change and recovery» through the «promotion of sports» and reiterated the Generalitat’s «support» for various federations and groups, as well as municipalities, «to improve public facilities for the benefit of the citizens.»
In this sense, he recalled that the Valencian Community «is the first autonomous region to introduce tax deductions for sports practice for middle and low incomes, as such a beneficial activity should be as widespread as possible.»
Similarly, the head of the Consell highlighted that «for the first time in the Consell’s budget, there is a study to begin the project and execution of the underground passage at the Gibeller roundabout,» which is the pedestrian access from Sant Joan d’Alacant to the University Hospital to «guarantee the safety of residents and proper traffic flow.» In this regard, he reaffirmed the executive’s «commitment» to this locality and cited the example of the Generalitat assuming management of the Doctor Esquerdo Center this year «after the Alicante Provincial Council managed it for over four decades.»
OTRAS ACTUACIONES