The XIV Madrid Wheelchair Fundación Emilio Sánchez Vicario tournament returns to Ciudad de la Raqueta in Madrid from May 14 to 17, featuring 40 players from 10 different countries. This event is a key fixture on the international wheelchair tennis circuit.
Emilio Sánchez Vicario, honorary president of the foundation, stated during the presentation: “This tournament perfectly embodies our foundation’s mission: using sport as a pathway for learning, overcoming challenges, and inclusion. Each edition reminds us that tennis can change lives, open doors, and create role models for many people. Having Madrid host this competition with such strong institutional and sporting support is both a source of pride and a responsibility for everyone involved in the foundation.”
Held continuously since 2012, the tournament has seen over 500 players from around the world participate. This year’s edition boasts a strong representation of Spanish athletes alongside top international wheelchair tennis players.
The event’s growth has been fueled by support from institutions such as the Madrid City Council, the Community of Madrid, the Royal Spanish Tennis Federation, and the Madrid Tennis Federation, as well as private partners including Head, Bamvolea, Ciudad de la Raqueta, Quirónsalud, Mahou, Solán de Cabras, Cupra, and MSC Cruises—all of whom share values of inclusion, commitment, and personal achievement.
The opening ceremony was attended by Sonia Cea Quintana, Madrid City Council’s Sports Delegate; María Cabezón, Head of Sports Coordination for the Community of Madrid’s General Directorate of Sports; Miguel Díaz, president of the Royal Spanish Tennis Federation; and Diego Rivas, CEO of Bamvolea and Ciudad de la Raqueta.
This edition also comes at a significant moment for the Emilio Sánchez Vicario Foundation, which was recently awarded the ‘Fuera Pista’ Prize by the Real Club de Tenis Barcelona-1899 in the institutional category for its commitment to social inclusion and equality through sport.
Founded in 2010, the foundation works to promote social integration and personal development through sports and education. Each year, its programs reach more than 300 students with disabilities, offering inclusive tennis and padel classes, ITF wheelchair tournaments, volunteer projects, and collaborations with key institutions. Since 2012, it has partnered with the Hospital Nacional de Parapléjicos de Toledo through the Wheelchair Tennis School, an initiative that has engaged over 1,500 people, helping them connect with tennis and reinforcing sport as a tool for inclusion, self-esteem, and personal autonomy.
