Sagunto Celebrates Sporting Excellence at the XXIII sports Gala
The spotlight will shine on Sagunto’s remarkable athletes and sports clubs at the XXIII Sagunto Sports Gala, scheduled for February 20th at 7 p.m. at the Municipal House of Culture. This year’s event promises to be a testament to the city’s vibrant sporting community, recognizing outstanding achievements and unwavering dedication.
Leading the honorees are weightlifter Sergio Munuera and soccer star Carolina Marín, named best Athletes of 2024. Munuera’s impressive second-place finish in the Spanish junior weightlifting championship highlights his rising talent.Simultaneously occurring, Marín’s promotion to League F, Spain’s premier women’s football division, with RCD Espanyol, solidifies her position as a force to be reckoned with.
The Alas Sagunto Skating Club will also be celebrated, receiving the Best Local Sports Entity award for their senior women’s team’s remarkable league runner-up finish.
Beyond the main awards, the gala will acknowledge individuals who embody the spirit of sportsmanship and community engagement. Josep Máñez will recieve the Sports Promotion award for his tireless efforts in promoting basketball, Cros al Clot, egalitarian football at IES Clot del Moro, and integration initiatives. César Cervantes, a dedicated player and organizer of events for individuals with functional diversity, will be honored with the Desire to Improve award.
Clara López,Spain’s reigning boxing champion,will be presented with the prestigious DORSAL 261 award. Edurne Tortajada, the Spanish under-12 tennis champion with a promising international trajectory, will be recognized as the New Athlete. Juanjo Bataller, who has steered Fertiberia BM Puerto Sagunto for 25 years alongside his dedicated management team, will receive the Sports Career Recognition award.
Alejandro Samper will be honored with the Human Values award for his inspiring run along the Camino de santiago, raising funds for diabetes research. The gala will also commemorate the 50th anniversary of the GISED Club, founded in 1974.Sagunto’s Mayor, Darío Moreno, expressed his admiration for the city’s athletes, stating, “Athletes like Carolina Marín and Sergio Munuera serve as role models for future generations, demonstrating the power of dedication and continuous improvement.” He extended his congratulations to all the winners, commending them for upholding the values of respect, hard work, and effort.
Javier Timón, Councilor for Physical Activity, Health, and Sports, echoed the Mayor’s sentiments, praising the winners for representing the pinnacle of sporting excellence in Sagunto. He acknowledged the jury’s challenging task in selecting from a pool of exceptional candidates.
The XXIII Sports Gala promises to be a memorable celebration of Sagunto’s thriving sporting landscape, showcasing the achievements, dedication, and values that make the city a beacon of athletic excellence.
Risers, Champions, and Community: A Chat with Carolina Marin
Tonight, we celebrate sporting excellence, and I’m thrilled to be joined by none other than Carolina Marín, one of Sagunto’s very own shining stars. Carolina, congratulations on being named Sagunto’s Best Athlete of 2024! Your promotion to League F with RCD Espanyol is a monumental achievement. What dose this recognition mean to you, particularly being honored alongside someone like Sergio Munuera, a rising star in weightlifting?
Carolina Marin: Thank you so much! It’s truly an honor to be recognized alongside Sergio. It’s inspiring to see young talent like his emerging in Sagunto. For me, this recognition is a testament to the years of hard work, dedication, and the unwavering support from my family, coaches, and the entire city. It fuels my passion to reach even greater heights. It’s a privilege to be considered a role model, especially for young athletes like Sergio, and I hope our achievements encourage others to pursue their dreams.
It’s clear that Sagunto is nurturing a vibrant sporting community, from individual athletes like you and Sergio to clubs like the Alas Sagunto Skating Club, who are making waves in their own right. What do you believe is contributing to this flourishing sporting environment in Sagunto?
Carolina Marin: Absolutely! I think Sagunto has a fantastic collaborative spirit. There’s a strong sense of community and support for athletic pursuits, nonetheless of the sport. From the grassroots level to high-achieving clubs, there’s a shared dedication to excellence. We also have fantastic facilities and dedicated coaches who are passionate about developing talent. This combination creates a fertile ground for athletes to thrive.
Speaking of thriving, the gala recognizes not just individual athletes but also individuals like Josep Máñez, who is being honored for his tireless work in promoting basketball and inclusive initiatives. How crucial is it to recognize these individuals who work behind the scenes, often without the spotlight?
Carolina Marin: Crucial! These are the unsung heroes who truly build the foundation of a strong sporting community.Josep and others like him are the driving forces behind accessibility and inclusivity, ensuring everyone has the opportunity to participate and excel in sports. Their dedication is invaluable and deserves all the recognition it receives.
Moving beyondSagunto to the national level, Clara López, Spain’s reigning boxing champion is also being recognized. what message does it send when athletes from various disciplines are celebrated together?
Carolina Marin: It sends a powerful message of unity and inclusivity. It’s a reminder that athletic excellence comes in many forms. Recognizing athletes from diverse disciplines highlights the breadth and depth of Spain’s sporting talent. It encourages young individuals to explore different sports and discover their own passions.
looking ahead, what advice would you give to aspiring athletes like Edurne Tortajada, the Spanish under-12 tennis champion who is being recognized as the New Athlete?
Carolina Marin: Believe in yourself, work hard, never give up on your dreams, and surround yourself with supportive people. Enjoy the journey, celebrate every victory, learn from every setback, and remember that resilience is key.
Thank you, Carolina, for sharing your insights. Your journey is truly inspiring, and we wish you continued success in your athletic endeavors.
Now, we’d love to hear from you, our readers! Who are your own sporting heroes, and what aspects of Sagunto’s sporting community inspire you most? Let the conversation continue below!
