Extremadura Celebrates sporting Excellence with 2020 Awards
The 2020 Extremadura Sports Awards ceremony shone a light on the region’s remarkable athletes, teams, and organizations, recognizing their outstanding contributions to the world of sports.
Leading the honorees is volleyball star Yohana Rodríguez, captain of the Arroyo Club Volleyball Our Lady of Light. Rodríguez, a true icon for aspiring volleyball players in Extremadura and beyond, was recognized for her remarkable career, which includes being named the face of the “Marca Extremadura” sports campaign and achieving promotion to the Super League. Her dedication and achievements have cemented her place as a legend in Extremadura’s sporting history.Javier Cienfuegos, an Olympic athlete specializing in hammer throw, was awarded the title of Best absolute Male Athlete. Cienfuegos has consistently pushed boundaries, setting a new Spanish record for the Heavy Hammer and securing victories at the Spanish Hammer Championship and the Spanish Long Throw Winter Championship. His remarkable performance at the 10th Gyulai István Memorial, where he ranked first, further solidifies his position as a top competitor on the international stage.
Cristina Cabaña Pérez, a judoka from Mérida, was honored as the Best Absolute Female Athlete. cabaña’s exceptional skills have earned her the title of Runner-up at the European Open Odivelas and Champion of Absolute Spain, showcasing her prowess in the judo arena.
The “Baja TT Dehesa Extremadura,” a thrilling motorsports event spanning over 600 kilometers,received the prestigious Best Sporting Event award. Attracting nearly 100 teams from Spain and Portugal, and garnering notable media attention, the event not only provides an adrenaline-pumping spectacle but also generates substantial economic benefits for the region.
Recognizing the future stars of Extremadura, the awards also celebrated promising young athletes. Sergio Moreno Medina, a gymnast from Mérida, was named Best Promising Male Athlete. His impressive track record includes securing the title of Junior Spain Runner-up in both the General Classification and Rings, and also Spanish Junior Champion in parallel Bars and Pommel Horse.Aitana Pérez, a rising star in the world of padel, was awarded the title of Best Promising Female Athlete. Currently ranked 95th overall in the WPT, Pérez has achieved notable success in various competitions, including reaching the round of 16 in both the Spanish U23 Championship and the International FIP Star Elche.
The Judo Club Stabia de Mérida was recognized as the Best Entity for its unwavering commitment to promoting sports and fostering a culture of athletic excellence. The club’s dedication to management, structure, and achieving goals has propelled it to the podium in the highest division of the National League of Clubs. Beyond judo, the club offers a diverse range of activities, including aquatic sports, climbing, mountaineering, summer camps, and a dedicated judo school.
These awards,accompanied by financial allocations ranging from €1,000 to €3,000,serve as a powerful testament to the dedication and achievements of Extremadura’s sporting community. The jury, comprised of representatives from the General Directorate of Sports, the Regional Sports Council, and the regional sports press, carefully evaluated nominees, ensuring that the awards truly reflect the best of Extremadura’s sporting landscape.
Celebrating Excellence: A Chat with Yohana Rodríguez on teh 2020 Extremadura Sports Awards
Joining me today is the remarkable Yohana rodríguez, captain of the Arroyo Club Volleyball Our Lady of Light and a true icon of Extremadura volleyball. yohana, congratulations on being named the Best absolute Female Athlete at the 2020 Extremadura Sports Awards! This is a well-deserved recognition for your impressive career, culminating in the promotion to the Super League and becoming the face of “marca Extremadura” sports campaign. How does it feel to be recognized for your dedication to volleyball in this special way?
Yohana Rodríguez:
Thank you so much! It’s an immense honour to receive this award. To be recognized amongst such talented athletes from Extremadura is truly humbling.Volleyball has been my passion since I was a child, and to see my dedication and hard work recognized on this level is incredibly motivating.
The “Marca Extremadura” campaign was a fantastic experience. Being able to represent Extremadura and inspire young athletes, especially girls, was a privilege.
As for the promotion to the Super League, it was a team effort. We fought hard all season, and I’m incredibly proud of what we accomplished.
Moderator: Absolutely, team effort is always crucial. And speaking of teams, javier Cienfuegos, who was named Best Absolute Male Athlete, setting a spanish record for the Heavy Hammer, securing victories at both the Spanish Hammer Championship and the Spanish Long Throw Winter Championship – he’s an athlete who embodies commitment and excellence. What are your thoughts on his achievements and his impact on the sporting landscape of Extremadura?
Yohana Rodríguez: Javier is an incredible athlete! His dedication and achievements are truly inspiring. He’s not only representing Extremadura with pride but also showcasing our region’s talent on the international stage. His success motivates all of us to strive for greatness.
moderator: You mentioned inspiring young athletes, and I wholly agree. The Awards also recognized some promising young talent. sergio Moreno Medina,a gymnast from Mérida,was named best Promising Male Athlete,and Aitana Pérez was awarded the title of best promising Female Athlete in padel. What advice would you give to these young athletes as they navigate their sporting journeys?
Yohana Rodríguez: To Sergio and Aitana, and all young athletes out there: Remember your passion for the sport. Enjoy the journey, work hard, and never give up on your dreams. Surround yourself with a supportive team, listen to your coaches, and always believe in yourself. The road may have its challenges, but the rewards of pursuing your passion are immeasurable.
Moderator: Wise words, Yohana. The awards also highlighted the importance of organized sport through the recognition of the Judo Club Stabia de Mérida as the Best Entity. They’ve clearly made a important impact on the local community. What role do you think sporting organizations play in fostering a culture of athletic excellence and community spirit?
Yohana Rodríguez:
Sporting organizations are vital. They provide a platform for athletes of all ages and abilities to develop their skills, compete, and build camaraderie. They also play a crucial role in promoting a healthy lifestyle and instilling values like teamwork, discipline, and perseverance. The Judo Club Stabia de Mérida is a fantastic example of how a dedicated organization can make a positive impact on individuals and the community as a whole.
Moderator: You couldn’t have said it better.To close, Yohana, what’s next for you? What are your goals for the upcoming season?
Yohana Rodríguez: My goal remains the same: to continue improving as a volleyball player and contributing to the success of my team. We’ll be competing in the Super League next season, and I’m excited for the challenge. I’m also committed to continuing to inspire young athletes and promote the sport I love.
Moderator: thank you so much for your time,Yohana. Your dedication to volleyball and your passion for inspiring others are truly commendable. I have no doubt you’ll continue to achieve great things both on and off the court.
Readers, what are your thoughts on the 2020 Extremadura Sports Awards?* Who were your standout performers? Which stories resonated with you the most? Share your opinions in the comments below!
let’s keep the conversation going.
