The Spanish Olympic Committee pays tribute to key figures in Spanish sport at an emotional gala

The event was a tribute to those who have distinguished themselves through their actions in support of the Olympic movement, their outstanding sporting achievements, or their exceptional service.

Olympic plaques for former federation presidents

The president of the COE, Alejandro Blanco, accompanied by the first vice president, Isabel Fernández, presented Olympic plaques to the former presidents of various national federations. Among the recipients were prominent figures such as Pedro Ángel Rocha (Royal Spanish Football Federation), Manuel Gallardo (Royal Spanish Hunting Federation), and José Javier Sanz (Royal Spanish Sailing Federation). Also recognized were Alberto Ayora (Spanish Federation of Mountain and Climbing Sports), Pablo del Río (Spanish Squash Federation), Jesús Lisarri (Spanish Baseball and Softball Federation), Manuel Casado (Royal Spanish Motorcycling Federation), Asunción Loriente (Spanish Rowing Federation), Antonio Ortiz (Spanish Billiards Federation), José Luis López Cerrón (Royal Spanish Cycling Federation), Carlos García (Spanish Surfing Federation), Isabel García (Royal Spanish Lifeguard Federation), Javier Prades (Spanish Pigeon Breeding Federation), and Agustín Martín (Royal Spanish Volleyball Federation). Julián García, from the Spanish Pelota Federation, also received this recognition.

Olympic insignia and special recognitions

Later, Blanco, along with the general secretary, Victoria Cabezas, awarded the Olympic badges to Marisa Sánchez of the ADO Plan, Manuel Pastrana, former director of the COE technology department, and Santiago Denia, the coach of the Olympic champion football team in Paris 2024.

The president of the COE, accompanied by the treasurer Víctor Sánchez, also presented Olympic plaques to prominent institutions and clubs. Among them were Celta Atletismo, the San José Bowling Club, the Metropole Swimming Club, the Terrassa Swimming Club, and the Helios Swimming Center. The National Police Force, represented by Javier Daniel Nogueroles, head of the Training and Improvement Division, and the Torrevieja and Pontevedra City Councils, represented by Rosario Martínez and Miguel Anxo Fernández, respectively, were also recognized for their invaluable support of sport.

In addition, Alejandro Blanco extended special recognition to HRH Emir Lahouari Benarba Ben Maniedinne Al Hassani, president of the “Le Jeunes du Monde Unis” Foundation, and to Marisol Casado, former president of the International Triathlon Federation.

Olympic orders for athletes and coaches

The ceremony concluded with the presentation of Olympic Orders to athletes, coaches, and presidents who have marked a turning point in Spanish sport. The awardees were Luis Vañó, president of the Spanish Dance Sports Federation; May Peus, president of the Royal Spanish Winter Sports Federation; Teresa Portela, the first woman to compete in seven Olympic Games; Miguel García, current national canoeing coach; and Pablo Herrera, the veteran beach volleyball player who has participated in six Olympic Games.

It was precisely Pablo Herrera On behalf of all the award recipients, Herrera thanked the Spanish Olympic Committee (COE) and its president for the support they had received throughout their careers. "It is an honor to receive this award. I have been defending this committee for 20 years, which is a dream come true for me. Thank you so much, Alejandro, for all the affection, and congratulations on your continued leadership of the COE," Herrera said with emotion.

Closing the event, Alejandro Blanco He stated that "it has been a day of many emotions, but above all, it has been a very important day for the present and future of Spanish sport. We wanted to present awards to former and current federation presidents, athletes, clubs, coaches, the National Police, and city councils because without all of you, the successes of Spanish sport would not be possible."