In an atmosphere of solemnity, emotion, and civic pride, Elbasan experienced another special evening that has now become a tradition. The Directorate of Sports and Culture of the Municipality of Elbasan, under the leadership of director Artin Kovaçi, organized a gala evening to award recognition plaques to 20 prominent figures of Elbasan’s sports community—individuals who have left an indelible mark on the city’s sporting history and beyond.
This ceremony was not merely a formal act of decoration, but a moment of reflection and gratitude for generations of athletes, coaches, and contributors who, through passion, sacrifice, and dedication, have elevated Elbasan’s name in local, national, and international arenas.
“Greater than anything is the recognition of our city. For us, for me, this is the pinnacle. I thank all the people of Elbasan who have followed our matches and supported us over the years,” said one of the athletes.
“We are happy, as veterans, to see the younger generation. This is how it should be—this generation must be remembered every year, because that is the true value of sport,” said another athlete.
The emotional highlight of the evening was undoubtedly the honoring of Enver Ibërshimi, a living legend of Elbasan and Albanian football. His name is etched in history as a symbolic figure of dedication, talent, and loyalty to the jersey.
“Thank you very much, and may God grant that all those who contributed could be gathered here,” said Ibërshimi, former footballer.
The President of the Albanian National Olympic Committee, Fidel Ylli, praised the sports infrastructure and ongoing work in the city, proposing that Elbasan be named European City of Sport for 2027.
“Together, I propose today in this hall that just as we made Tirana the European Capital of Sport, Vlora a European City, and Shkodra as well, we should jointly award Elbasan the title of ‘European City of Sport’ in 2027,” Ylli stated.
Weightlifting and table tennis are also expected to host international events in Elbasan next year. The President of the Albanian Weightlifting Federation, Elez Gjoza, announced that Elbasan will host the European Youth Weightlifting Championships from August 2 to August 12, 2026.
“The Albanian Weightlifting Federation will turn Elbasan into Albania’s capital of sport in 2026. I am confident that athletes from across Europe will feel at home here,” Gjoza said.
The gala evening concluded amid strong emotions, commemorative photographs, and the promise that this tradition will continue in the years ahead, ensuring that those who gave Elbasan pride and identity through sport are never forgotten.
