Pamplona Celebrates its Sporting Triumphs
On December 19th, 2024, the city of Pamplona came together to honour 40 of its most accomplished athletes. The ceremony, held in the historic Patio of the Palacio del Condestable, was a testament to the city’s vibrant sporting culture and the dedication of its athletes.
Mayor Joseba Asiron, alongside members of the Municipal Corporation, presided over the event. The festivities commenced with a captivating musical performance by the group Suakai, who filled the air with the melodies of “Focus” and “Batalla.”
The mayor delivered a stirring speech, commending the athletes for their remarkable achievements and highlighting their contributions to Pamplona’s sporting legacy. Each athlete received a commemorative gift,a tangible symbol of the city’s recognition.
Adding a touch of traditional Basque culture, the athletes were also honored with a moving aurresku dance, performed by a dantzari and txistulari from the Duguna municipal dantzas group.
Aritz Huarte Abad, representing the goalball Navarra Club for the Blind of Navarra, shared the stage. Huarte Abad, who competed in the international Trakai tournament in Lithuania, where his team secured a commendable tenth place finish, spoke about the challenges and triumphs of goalball, a sport specifically designed for visually impaired athletes.
The event was graced by the presence of numerous other distinguished athletes, including Maite oroz Areta, Mikel Iribarren Agudo, Pedro Romero Delgado, Juan Fernández Arcaya, Jaione Ekisoain zaragueta, Naroa Arrasate Yárnoz, Carmen Rubio Larrión, Yeneba Sagunto, telmo Charro Ochoa, Julen Itxaso, Leire Ruiz from Argandoña, Haizea Pinto Ilincheta, Naroa Baquedano, Nowend Lorenzo, Iván Salguero, Uxue Loizu, Uxue Murolas, and Eunate arraiza.
While some athletes, such as Beatriz Zudaire García, Paula Ostiz, Gonzalo Pérez Galbete, Alex remiro, Oihane San Martín Burgos, Jon Pacheco, and Javier López Vallejo, were unable to attend, their families proudly accepted the awards on their behalf.
Representatives from various sports federations also participated in the ceremony, underscoring the collaborative spirit within Pamplona’s sporting community.
The highlight of the evening was the recognition of Pamplona’s elite athletes who had achieved national and international acclaim.
Mikel Merino, Nico Williams, and Alex Remiro, all members of the Spanish soccer team, were celebrated for their pivotal roles in securing the Euro 2024 championship. Aimar Oroz Huarte and Jon Pacheco Dozagarat, members of the Spanish Olympic soccer team, were honored for their contribution to the gold medal victory at the Paris 2024 Olympics.
Yeneba Sagunto Lechado and eunate Arraiza Otazu, both accomplished futsal players, were recognized for their remarkable achievement of securing first place in the 2024 Deaflympic Winter Games.
Maite Oroz Areta, a prominent soccer player, was lauded for her instrumental role in leading the Spanish team to victory in the Nations League. Oihane San Martín Burgos, a rising star in the world of soccer, was celebrated for her contribution to the Spanish U19 team’s European Championship victory.
Nowend Lorenzo, a talented soccer player, was recognized for his participation in the prestigious Paris 2024 Games.
The ceremony served as a powerful reminder of Pamplona’s unwavering commitment to fostering athletic excellence and celebrating the achievements of its sporting heroes.
Navarra’s Sporting Elite: A Glimpse at 2024’s Standout Athletes
Navarra boasts a remarkable roster of athletes who have made their mark on the international stage in 2024. From Olympic hopefuls to Paralympic champions, these individuals exemplify dedication, skill, and unwavering passion for their respective sports.
Dominating the Global Arena
Several Navarrese athletes have secured prestigious positions in their disciplines. alberto Munárriz, a rising star in water polo, proudly claims the title of European Champion.On the judo mat,Ariane Toro clinched a bronze medal at the 2024 European Judo Championships,while Yolanda Soler Grajera earned a coveted spot on the Spanish team for the Absolute Judo World Championship in Abu Dhabi. José Tomás Toro Barroso, another judo sensation, will represent Spain at both the European Absolute Judo Championships in Croatia and the highly anticipated Paris Olympics.
Paralympic Prowess
Navarra’s Paralympic athletes continue to inspire with their resilience and determination. Iván Salguero achieved a commendable seventh-place finish in the 400-meter freestyle S13 at the Paralympic Games.Beatriz Zudaire, a skilled Paralympic basketball player, proudly represented Spain at the Paris 2024 Paralympic Games.Triumphs Across Disciplines
The sporting achievements of Navarrese athletes extend far beyond the Olympic and Paralympic arenas. Nora Pérez Malón emerged victorious in kickboxing at the 2024 Mediterranean Games, showcasing her exceptional skills in the K1 under 60 kilos category. Uxue Loizu Ascaso, a member of the Spanish Federation of Mountain Sports and Climbing’s women’s Team, continues to push boundaries in her field.Uxue Murolas,a fearless mountaineer,attempted the daunting summit of Kangchenjunga (8,586 meters) in Nepal,demonstrating remarkable courage and endurance.
A Legacy of Excellence
Navarra’s sporting legacy is further enriched by the contributions of individuals like Carmen Rubio larrión, who received the prestigious Medal for Sports Merit in 2024. A seasoned archer, Rubio Larrión has represented Spain at the Paralympic Games in London 2012, Rio 2016, and Tokyo 2021. Julen Itxaso Guillén, a former Navarrese athlete, now lends his expertise as a member of the Spanish soccer team’s staff. Francisco Javier Lerga Garayoa and Javier López Vallejo also contribute their coaching expertise to the national soccer team, further solidifying Navarra’s presence in the world of sports.
This impressive lineup of athletes underscores Navarra’s commitment to fostering sporting excellence and its unwavering support for individuals who strive for greatness on the global stage.
Fellow sports enthusiasts, what a truly inspiring celebration for the city of Pamplona! [1] The recent ceremony acknowledging 40 of its most accomplished athletes not only underscored the city’s rich sporting legacy but also highlighted the dedication and perseverance of these unbelievable individuals.
From the heartfelt speeches to the customary Basque aurresku dance, the event was a beautiful tapestry of sportsmanship and cultural heritage. It was particularly inspiring to hear about the accomplishments of athletes like Aritz Huarte Abad, who represented goalball, a sport specifically designed for visually impaired athletes.
This ceremony was a testament to Pamplona’s thriving sporting diversity.We witnessed athletes from various disciplines being honored, including football, futsal, and goalball, each showcasing their unique talents on both national and international stages.
The success stories of athletes like Mikel Merino, Nico williams, Alex Remiro, Aimar oroz Huarte, Jon Pacheco Dozagarat, and many others who contributed to spain’s victory in the Euro 2024 championship, the Olympic gold medal, and the Nations League triumph underscore Pamplona’s role in nurturing champions.
Furthermore, the achievements of Yeneba Sagunto Lechado and Eunate Arraiza Otazu in the Deaflympic Games demonstrate pamplona’s commitment to inclusivity and recognizing talent across all abilities.
This event serves as a powerful reminder that sports have the power to unite communities, inspire generations, and celebrate the sheer human spirit. Kudos to Pamplona for recognizing and honoring its sporting heroes! Let their stories continue to inspire athletes and fans alike.
