The Ornithological Society of Benidorm has 73 members and is one of the "longest-established" ones in Spain
650 birds compete in the XXII 'Villa de Benidorm' Ornithological Championship
The president of Benidorm Ornithological Society, Paco Ibi, has highlighted the participation of “36 federated breeders” in this edition, the majority from the Valencian Community, although bird enthusiasts from other areas of Spain “such as Ibiza” have also competed. ¬–in the Balearic Islands¬–, or the capital of Spain, Madrid”, among others.
Ibi recalled that Benidorm Ornithological Society “has 73 members” and after its “23 years of history” it is one of “the most rooted” in the Valencian Community, which explains that in this edition of 'Villa de Benidorm ' “650 birds, from the best farms in Spain” have been presented.
In the XXII Ornithological Championship, four categories have been awarded: 'Color', in which Jesús Pérez Galián, from Benidorm club, was the winner; 'Postura', in which Joaquín Lara, from Vila Joiosa, has achieved first position; 'Exotic', in which Martín Riguero, also from Benidorm, took first place on the podium; and “Llarguet”, which qualifies the best specimen of this Spanish breed of Valencian origin and in which the vilero Joaquín Lara has also won.
In terms of total awards, the first posotion for José Vicente Gomis, from Altea, with eight first places, four seconds, and five third places (17 in total). In second position, Jesús Pérez Galáz, from Benidorm, with five firsts, six seconds, and four thirds (15). In third position, is Martín Riguero from Benidorm, with eight firsts, three seconds, and four thirds (15).
The Councilor for Sports, Javier Jordá, other members of the government team, and the regional deputy, José Ramón González de Zárate, gave away the prizes to the winners after touring, together with Ibi and other members of the executive of the ornithological group, the exhibition of birds. Jordá was especially interested in the characteristics of the 'llarguet' category and the care required by one of the canary breeds with the most fans in the country.