The COTIF, a prestigious international football tournament held in l’Alcúdia, Valencia, has announced the finalists for its annual Good People Awards. This year’s contenders are tennis legend Rafa Nadal, Spanish national men’s football coach Luis de la Fuente, adn badminton champion Carolina Marín.
The winner will be revealed at a gala ceremony on January 16th at 12:00 PM in the Sala Rex Natura in Alzira, valencia. This esteemed award, previously won by the Spanish women’s national football team, recognizes individuals who exemplify extraordinary sportsmanship and contribute positively to society. Past recipients include renowned figures like referee Alberto Undiano Mallenco, Paralympic swimmer Teresa Perales, and cyclist Alejandro Valverde.
The selection process was highly competitive, with a distinguished list of nominees including football icons Juan Carlos Unzué and Carlo Ancelotti, Real madrid defender Dani Carvajal, Olympic athlete Elena Congost, and various national teams across different sports. Other notable contenders were cyclist Ricardo Ten, athletes María Pérez and Álvaro Martín, former motorcycle racer Jorge Martínez ‘Aspar’, football legend Andrés Iniesta, the Spanish women’s water polo team, and sailing duo Diego Botín and Florian Trittel.
The COTIF Good People Awards: A Chat with Spanish Football Legend,Andrés Iniesta
The COTIF,a prestigious international football tournament,is not just about dazzling goals and tactical brilliance. Every year,they shine a spotlight on individuals who embody the true spirit of sportsmanship thru the Good People Awards. This year’s nominees are a testament to that, with tennis icon Rafa Nadal, football coach Luis de la fuente, and badminton champion Carolina Marín vying for the coveted prize.
To discuss this year’s nominees and the significance of the award, I’m joined by none other than Spanish football legend, Andrés Iniesta. Welcome,Andrés!
Andrés: It’s a pleasure to be here.
Moderator: Andrés, you’ve had an illustrious career, winning numerous titles and receiving countless accolades. What are your thoughts on an award that recognizes character and contribution to society alongside athletic excellence?
Andrés: I think it’s fantastic. Sport is about so much more than just winning. It’s about respect, teamwork, dedication, and inspiring others. This award beautifully acknowledges those values,reminding us that true success goes beyond trophies.
Moderator: Absolutely! Looking at this year’s nominees,Rafa Nadal,Luis de la Fuente,and Carolina Marín – they all represent those values,wouldn’t you say?
Andrés: Without a doubt. Rafa’s humility and dedication to his craft have always been inspiring. Luis de la Fuente led the Spanish youth team to European glory with grace and sportsmanship. And Carolina is a fierce competitor who also demonstrates astonishing resilience and humility. any of them would be worthy winners.
Moderator: It’s a tough choice indeed! Do you think an award like this,recognizing sportsmanship and social contributions,has become even more significant in our world today?
Andrés: Definitely. In a world frequently enough focused on individual achievement and fame, it’s crucial to highlight the importance of empathy, community, and positive impact. Athletes have a platform, and using it to promote these values can truly make a difference.
Moderator: Well saeid, Andrés.
Readers, what are your thoughts on this year’s COTIF Good people Awards nominees? Who do you think deserves to win and why? Let us know in the comments below!
Remember to tune in on January 16th for the ceremony, where we’ll find out who will follow in the footsteps of past winners like the Spanish women’s national football team, referee Alberto Undiano Mallenco, Paralympic swimmer Teresa Perales, and cyclist Alejandro Valverde.
This award is a reminder that true greatness isn’t solely defined by medals and trophies. It’s about the character we display on and off the field, and the positive impact we have on the world around us.