Lourdes Alameda It is one of ‘The lioness‘ who won the Women’s European Rugby Championship last Saturday against Russia. chat with AS about that new title and about the impulse that Iberdrola and in them Federation and another 31 more in Spain.
1. Sixth consecutive European championship, ninth in total, and against Russia with all the situation that is being experienced. How was the atmosphere at the match? Did you notice the Russians affected by everything that is happening?
The day of the game the atmosphere did not affect us. But yes during the concentration. Especially during the previous hours, when there was a lot of tension because we didn’t know if we were going to play or not due to the current situation. The same Saturday we found out that the Russian players had decided to play, even though from the Russian government they had been pressured to return to their country. In the end, the match was played without the Russian flag or anthem. It was a bit weird. But it was nice because, despite the situation they are experiencing, they decided to stay and play. Sportsmanship prevailedwhich was not affected by external causes.
2. Rugby is one of the 32 federations promoted by Iberdrola. How do you notice that sponsorship? What would Spanish women’s rugby be without the help of Iberdrola?
Iberdrola has given an incredible boost in terms of visibility to women’s rugby. The queen’s cupfor example, was broadcast directly by Telesport. Also in the Honor Division female, its retransmission by streaming. They are very important implementations for our sport. Not only for our families to see us, but also for bring sport closer to those girls who have no role models, and that is very positive. It is noted that the names of ‘The lioness‘, of the international players of a minority sport. On the street we notice it enough.
3. Is there a difference between the help received by the men’s section and what you receive?
Just this weekend we have experienced a somewhat strange situation. we disputed the final of the European Championship against Russia and usually in Spainwe play in the Central Madrid. But this year it could not be. The men’s team played on world cup qualifier and, being also in the same stadium, we couldn’t compete there. It was a strange thing for us to play on a course we weren’t used to. But despite this, we do see that, very little by little, the differences are changing, but they still exist. We must continue working for equality so that these small differences that exist between male and female sports disappear.
4. Why does rugby, and women’s, have so little visibility in Spain?
Lately I think this is changing thanks to the great work that the media and journalists are doing for our sport. But I think it is because of the situation of the sport itself, because we can say that it is almost new in Spain despite the fact that it has been practiced for years in our country. It is well known in university environment, but it has cost him to gain a foothold in other areas. From the Rio 2016 Olympic Games it was given more visibility on television and had more momentum. Because we make a lot of noise through social networks, but it is not as relevant as appearing in the newspapers or on television. And then everything followed. We went to World Cup in Dublinwhich was also broadcast and, thanks to this, it seems that the trend is changing in recent years.
5. Would you be part of the Iberdrola Ambassadors project? What role do Paula Badosa, Lydia Valentín or Carolina Marin play in women’s sports? Are they references for you?
If they put it to me and it serves to help my sport reach more girls, more people and grow, I’m delighted. Lately they are promoting many projects and initiatives to create female role models. In team sports it may be more difficult to choose who can act as an ambassador. In individual sports it is clear. Girls have to see athletes who reach the top, win medals and work. Because everything they see they can turn into possible targets for their lives and mirrors in which to look at themselves. And this is essential for the sport.
Iberdrola extends its commitment to equality
Iberdrola has expanded its commitment to equality in sport with the addition of 16 new federations to add 32, which benefits almost 600,000 athletes in our country. The new sports that join under the company are Underwater Activities, Bowling, Winter Sports, Weightlifting, Judo, Olympic Wrestling, Mountaineering and Climbing, Swimming, Skating, Ball, Rowing, Squash, Taekwondo, Tennis, Archery and Sailing.
Since 2016, Iberdrola has become the main promoter of women’s sports in Spainwhich has been translated into a 42% increase in the number of licenses of the supported Federations. The company has its own team of Ambassadorselite athletes who fight for the empowerment of women and equal opportunities.
The contribution of women to the sports field is very valuable, as shown by the 59 Olympic medals achieved so far. Seven women won medals at the last Tokyo Games.
*This content offered by Iberdrola has been prepared by Diario AS.
