The students of BAU, Centre Universitari d'Arts i Disseny, presented their innovative project, “El Panot”, inspired by the classic Barcelona tile, which fuses the sporting tradition with the cultural identity of Barcelona. The presentation took place at the Official Outreach Center of the 37th America's Cup and was a link between two historical events in international sport that highlight Barcelona's role in the global sports scene.

The presentation brought together, among others, Susana Closa, Manager of the Barcelona Sports Institute; Josep March, territorial representative of sport in Barcelona; Emilio Zegrí, president of the RCPB Foundation; Santiago Mercé, president of CSIO Barcelona; Elisabeth Plantada, director of BAU, University Center for Arts and Design; Xavier Andrades, director of the America's Cup Experience; Natalia Vísa Dufresne, director of external relations for the America's Cup Experience; students, teachers and equestrian sports enthusiasts. The winners of the competition, Marta González, Gerard Pita and Olga Barber, young talents from BAU, have confirmed that they were inspired by the iconic “panot” of Barcelona to give life to an obstacle that captures the essence of Barcelona. The structure, with two interchangeable variations, shows the silhouette of the panot flower and a pyramid with the “panots” pattern.

“Un Leap for the City” not only aims to continue strengthening the existing link between the century-old sports competition of the Real Club de Polo with Barcelona, but also represents an international action to promote the City.

Susana Closa, Manager of Institut Barcelona Esports, praised the unique collaboration and its contribution to the promotion of Barcelona. “This project seeks the symbiosis between CSIO Barcelona and the city with very symbolic elements,” said Closa. “It is a clear example of the link between Barcelona and sport,” he added.

For Josep March, territorial representative of Sport in Barcelona, “this obstacle will be part of one of the most outstanding sporting events in our city, the CSIO Barcelona in its 111st edition.”

“This collaboration is a testament to the creativity and innovation that drives our city,” said Emilio Zegrí, president of the RCPB Foundation. “'El Panot' will add a distinctive and enriching touch to our event, underlining Barcelona's commitment to equestrian sport.”

Xavier Andrades, director of the America's Cup Experience, thanked the visit of CSIO Barcelona to the official dissemination center of the 37th America's Cup for the presentation of its new obstacle and highlighted the sports diversity of the city.

The CSIO Barcelona, which hosts the Longines FEI Nations Cup World Final for the tenth consecutive year, will be played at the Real Club de Polo de Barcelona from 28 September to 1 October.