The fifth edition of 'The Sanctuary' takes place at the Fuengirola-Higuerón Training Centre, featuring figures such as Klay Thompson, Norman Powell, and Spanish player Hugo González.
The Fuengirola-Higuerón Training Centre is once again the venue for 'The Sanctuary', the exclusive pre-season camp organised by the NBA Players Association (NBPA). The fifth edition, presented this Wednesday, brings together stars from the best basketball league in the world, including four-time champion Klay Thompson (Dallas Mavericks), Norman Powell (Chicago Bulls), Jay Huff (Indiana Pacers), and Shaedon Sharpe (Portland Trail Blazers). Spanish player Hugo González, currently with the Boston Celtics, is also participating.
Fuengirola's Deputy Mayor, Rodrigo Romero, and the Sports Councillor, Julio Rodríguez, attended the presentation event, along with the Sports Delegate of the Junta de Andalucía in Málaga, Carlos García, and the NBPA's International Relations and Marketing Manager, Matteo Zuretti. They all highlighted that the Málaga town has established itself as an ideal destination for elite training.
In its five years of celebration in Fuengirola, 'The Sanctuary' has hosted over a hundred NBA players. The municipal facilities at El Higuerón, managed by former players Berni Rodríguez and José Manuel Calderón, boast 1,500 square metres, two basketball courts, changing rooms, a rehabilitation area, and a gym equipped with the latest technology.
The camp combines physical and technical training with cultural and leisure activities in the surrounding area. The initiative aims to provide players with a high-quality space for their preparation before the season, while also promoting Fuengirola as an international sports destination.
Rodrigo Romero emphasised that "it is a source of pride for Fuengirola to host an event of this level, attracting elite athletes and projecting our city to the world." For his part, Matteo Zuretti thanked the municipal collaboration and highlighted "the excellent conditions of the centre, which meet the standards required by the NBPA."
The Mayor of Fuengirola, in subsequent statements, noted that the repetition of the event "confirms that we are on the map of world sports." The City Council anticipates a significant economic and tourist impact, with the presence of players, their coaching staff, and fans visiting the town.
The Fuengirola-Higuerón Training Centre has become a benchmark for the preparation of high-level athletes. In addition to the NBA, it has hosted European basketball teams and national selections. The facilities, managed by the Rodríguez-Calderón Foundation, offer physiotherapy, nutrition, and performance analysis services.
This year's edition will take place over several weeks, with sessions open to the public at certain times, as confirmed by municipal sources. Interested parties can follow the activities through the City Council's social media.
For the residents of Fuengirola, the celebration of 'The Sanctuary' represents a unique opportunity to see some of the biggest stars in world basketball up close. The city council has organised a special security and mobility plan to ensure the smooth running of the event.
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