Local sporting legend Joe Hernandez dies aged 70

The first CEO of the Sports and Leisure Authority has died aged 70.

Joe Hernandez was a lifelong champion of sport on the Rock, both on and off the court.

A passionate athlete during the frontier closure, he played football, volleyball, water polo, and basketball, dedicating himself to the latter from the age of 15 and winning several league titles.

He began refereeing in his youth and became one of Gibraltar’s first internationally certified FIBA referees, officiating 150 international matches. Known for his humour and fairness, he later became a FIBA instructor and commissioner, attending a further 150 games.

He began his career at the GSLA aged just 20, serving as Deputy Director of Sports before rising to lead the organisation. He spearheaded the creation of the Strait Games in 1998, promoting unity among young people from Gibraltar, the Campo, and Ceuta.

A devoted supporter of both FC Barcelona and Manchester United, he was known for wearing split scarves at cup finals..

His legacy includes decades of dedication to sport, development of facilities, and a lifelong commitment to youth and community through athletics.