From organizing the 2025 Games of the Small States of Europe in Andorra to supporting young athletes and promoting sustainability, the Andorran Olympic Committee (COA) is focused on both high performance and the development and promotion of sporting values among youth. We speak with the President of the COA, Xavier Espot Miró, about the key role the COA plays in the development of sport in Andorra.
Interview: Irina Rybalchenko
What inspired you to take on the presidency of the Andorran Olympic Committee? What would you consider your main achievement in the role so far?
During the previous term, I was already a member of the COA’s executive committee, as I was serving as President of the Andorran Golf Federation. I was also chairing the Organizing Committee for the Games of the Small States of Europe. So, I was already actively involved in the organization, and I decided to take a step forward by running for the presidency of the COA.
My main achievement to date has been the organization of the 20th edition of the Games of the Small States of Europe, Andorra 2025, which represents a major milestone. We are not expected to host the GSSE again for another 18 years. So the level of responsibility entrusted to the Andorran Olympic Committee in organizing this international sporting event is considerable.
As President of the Andorran Olympic Committee, what priorities would you highlight for the development of sport in Andorra?
Once the Games are over, the focus will shift to organizing and modernizing the Andorran Olympic Committee. The goal is to implement the necessary changes to improve the Committee’s operations and establish a more efficient structure. This includes the development of internal commissions, revisions to the statutes, and providing maximum support to our federations and our athletes.
How many sports federations and professional athletes are currently in the country? What is the sports budget allocated in Andorra this year? What was the budget in 2024, and what is projected for 2026? How is it balanced across different sports disciplines?
Currently, Andorra has 33 recognized sports federations.
In terms of professional athletes, seven currently receive salary-based scholarships from the State Secretariat for Sports, while an Andorran tennis player benefits from a dedicated grant provided by the same institution. Additionally, professional players from FC Andorra (football) and Morabanc Andorra (basketball) are also considered part of the country’s professional sports landscape.
Andorra is also a popular base for professional cyclists, many of whom are residents. The country is home to a significant number of elite athletes who have established passive residency due to its favorable environment and training conditions.
It’s important to note that budget allocation and investment in sports fall under the jurisdiction of the Government’s State Secretariat for Sports.
What recent investments has the Andorran Olympic Committee made in training facilities or sports infrastructure?
The Andorran Olympic Committee does not directly invest in sports facilities. However, as a result of hosting the GSSE, a significant legacy has been left in terms of infrastructure across several parishes. Notable examples include the shooting range at Pla de Borràs in La Massana, upgrades to the Joan Samarra Communal Stadium in Andorra la Vella, and the rugby field at the CTEO in Ordino.
How does the Andorran Olympic Committee support young athletes and grassroots sports?
The COA provides Olympic scholarships to young athletes over the age of 18, based on evaluations from its Technical Commission. These scholarships are typically distributed as follows: six for Winter Olympic hopefuls and six for those aiming to compete in the Summer Games.
Responsibility for grassroots sports lies primarily with the federations and their respective clubs. This area does not fall within the direct remit of the Andorran Olympic Committee.
What role does Olympic education play in Andorran schools?
I’m very pleased you asked this question, as it’s a key project we plan to focus on during this new term of the Andorran Olympic Committee. Our aim is to introduce Olympic values to children across all educational systems in the country, helping them understand and embrace the principles of respect, excellence, and friendship from an early age.
What are the main challenges Andorra faces in preparing its athletes for the Olympic Games?
The primary challenge is that Andorra is a small country with a limited population, which naturally results in a smaller pool of high-performance athletes capable of qualifying for the Olympic Games.
How does Andorra ensure its visibility and competitiveness on the international stage despite its small size?
The Andorran Olympic Committee has made it a priority to ensure representation at every international event to which it is invited. By maintaining an active presence, we are able to contribute to discussions and decisions within international Olympic institutions. Importantly, our vote carries the same weight as that of larger countries, such as France or the United States – ensuring Andorra’s voice is heard.
Which other National Olympic Committees or international organizations does the COA collaborate with?
The Andorran Olympic Committee collaborates with all European National Olympic Committees and, in particular, with those that make up the Small States of Europe. I would like to emphasize that there is also close cooperation with the French, Spanish, and Portuguese Olympic Committees.
How is the COA preparing for the upcoming Games of the Small States of Europe in Monaco?
The Games of the Small States of Europe are a major milestone for the participating countries; these are truly our signature games, as they see the highest athlete participation from Andorra.
This year, we demonstrated the strong sporting health of our country by setting records in both participation and medals. Since the conclusion of this edition of the Games, the Olympic Committee has been—and will continue—working closely with our federations to prepare for Monaco 2027. We look forward to delivering an excellent performance once again.
