During an event held at the Real Casa de Correos, headquarters of the regional government, the president emphasized that sports, in addition to passion and values, are a «true preventive medicine that takes care of both physical and emotional health.»
«We will continue working with determination to expand our sports network, supporting federations, clubs, and athletes from our 179 municipalities,» highlighted Díaz Ayuso, who pledged to continue promoting physical activity in schools and institutes and working to bring major events that showcase Madrid to the world, such as the Formula 1 Grand Prix, the first official NFL game in Spain, or the Eurobasket 2029.
Nine modalities
Through these awards, the Madrid government publicly recognizes individuals or entities that have significantly stood out in the promotion, promotion, and development of sports in the region, in one of the nine modalities that make them up.
The mostoleño Fran Garrigós is the number one in the world judo ranking. In 2022, he was the European champion in Bulgaria and has four medals in European and world competitions. Andalusian Carolina Marín has been a gold medalist in badminton in Rio de Janeiro (2016), a world champion three times, and a seven-time European champion, as well as being honored with the Prince of Asturias Sports Award. «She represents overcoming and commitment, with the courage typical of true athletes,» highlighted Díaz Ayuso about her career.
Toni Kroos is the most decorated footballer in Germany’s history and one of the top five in international titles. In 2017, he signed with Real Madrid, a team with which he has won five Champions Leagues, as well as other world club championships and three UEFA Super Cups, among others.
And María Corbera is the best canoeist in Madrid’s history, with six medals in world championships, eight in Europe, and over 100 at the national level. In 2023, she was awarded by the Spanish Olympic Committee as the best Spanish sportswoman of the year.
Promotion of sports and values
In the category of best sports entity, the 2022 award went to the San Sebastián de los Reyes Hockey Club, and in 2023 to Hankuk International School. Many of the best Spanish hockey players, nine of them Olympic medalists, have belonged to this club, currently composed of 430 players. On the other hand, Hankuk boasts two Olympic medals, six world championships, nine Grand Prix titles, and 47 European titles in its record.
As the best promising athlete in 2022, trampoline jumper Ana Carvajal was recognized, who trains at the M-86 pool in the Community of Madrid. At 17, she was the European champion in 10-meter platforms and won silver in synchronized diving. The same award (2023) was given to basketball player Hugo González Peña, who debuted at 18 in the ACB League with Real Madrid and won the silver medal in the U17 World Cup.
The municipalities of Morata de Tajuña (2022) and Móstoles (2023) have been awarded recognition for promoting sports by the local administration, while the president of the Madrid Karate Federation, Antonio Torres, and the director general of Zurich Rock ‘n’ Roll Running, Pedro Rumbao, received the award in the private initiative category.
In the Values category, the jury highlighted the work of Pedro Gil, founder of the Rayo Boxing Club, through which more than 15,000 people have passed, including Javier Castillejo, and Helios Hidalgo, a basketball player from Real Canoe who, at 13, has shown his ability to overcome leukemia. «He represents an example of overcoming, love for sports, and life,» emphasized Díaz Ayuso.
The Alcohol and Society Foundation was awarded the 2022 Sportsmanship Award, which also went to Sito Carcavilla in its 2023 edition, who has climbed three eight-thousanders and completed 17 expeditions to the Himalayas. Paralympic athlete Audrey Pascual (San Sebastián de los Reyes), who has excelled in disciplines such as adapted skiing, and the Carmen Pardo-Valcarce Foundation (A LA PAR), have been designated as prizes for Inclusive Sports.
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