Sport plays an important part in the lives of Catalans, as is show by the existence of over 50 sports federations. A wide selection of facilities are available, from 40 marinas to delight sailing buffs, to 29 golf courses, some on the coast, others inland. There are also three flying clubs and 15 downhill and crosscountry ski resorts, fully equipped to guarantee a pleasant stay, not only for skiers, but also for tourists in general. Adventure sports have gained widespread popularity in recent years, especially in the high Pyrenees. White waters provide just the right conditions for activities such as bus-bobing and canoeing, and you can paraglide high above the deep mountain valleys, or trek through unspoiled landscapes on mountain bikes or on horseback. 

Where spectator sports are concerned, Barcelona has two major football teams -Reial Club Esportiu Espanyol and Futbol Club Barcelona (nicknamed "Barça")- which are famous the world over. The latter was founded at the turn of the century and boasts a supporters’ club with over 104,000 members and one of the largest stadiums in the world with room for 110,000 spectators. 

The Barcelona Olympic Games, held in the summer of 1992, provided the city with greatly improved sports facilities. The Olympic Stadium, originally built in 1929, and the Picornell swimming pools, were restored for the occasion, and brand new facilities were built, such as the magnificient Palau de Sant Jordi, the velodrome at Horta and the Olympic Port. Other Catalan cities which hosted particular events also benefitted: these included La Seu d’Urgell (the Segre Park), Granollers, Badalona, and L’Hospitalet de Llobregat.