Vigo Approves Over €2.5 Million in Compensation for Sports Centers Impacted by COVID-19
The Vigo City Council has approved a payment of over €2.5 million to MQA Navia and AQA Vigo Xestión Deportiva, the companies responsible for the Máis que Auga sports facilities in Navia, Coia and Barreiro. This compensation aims to address the economic imbalance caused by the COVID-19 pandemic and the restrictions imposed during that period.
Pandemic’s Lingering Effects
The decision, made during a local government board meeting in early March 2026, closes a file that has been open for nearly three years. The payment supplements previous compensations exceeding €1 million approved in 2022, which covered the weeks the facilities were completely closed due to the state of alarm.1
Initial Claims and Final Settlement
While the companies initially claimed over €4 million – €2.4 million for the Navia facility and €2 million for the Coia and Barreiro facilities – the council’s final offer represents slightly more than half of the original request. The council rejected arguments to consider potential losses extending until 2032, opting instead to base calculations on the period of most intense impact, up to December 31, 2022.1
Alternative Methodologies and Rejected Options
The council utilized an “alternative methodology” deemed reasonable and proportionate to determine the compensation amount. Options such as extending the concession period, increasing user fees, or reducing the annual fee paid to the council were considered but ultimately rejected as ineffective in stabilizing the companies’ finances.1
Funding Availability
The necessary funds for these payments were already allocated through a budget modification approved last summer.1
Recent Activities at Máis que Auga
Máis que Auga continues to offer a range of sporting and wellness activities. Recent events include a Semana Santa (Holy Week) campus for young athletes in Navia, outdoor adventure experiences (OUTEXPERIENCE), and a self-defense seminar for women in Navia.2 The facilities also hosted events celebrating their 15th anniversary and initiatives focused on community building and sports participation.2
Worth a look