On Wednesday, June 3, the Alfredo Goyeneche Auditorium hosted the Spanish Olympic Committee (COE) Distinctions Awards Ceremony. These distinctions aim to recognize individuals and organizations that have excelled through their contribution to Olympism, outstanding sporting achievements, or exceptional service to the Olympic Movement and sport.

The President of the Spanish Olympic Committee, Alejandro Blanco, presented Olympic plaques to clubs, federations, and sports organizations, describing them as “the backbone of Spanish sport.” The recipients were:

• Mondo, represented by its Commercial Director, Ignacio Mercado;
• Club Natació Banyoles, represented by its President, Jordi Casanova;
• The Region of Murcia, represented by its Director General of Sports, Francisco Sánchez;
• The Municipality of l’Eliana, represented by its Mayor, Salvador Torrent;
• The Municipality of Irún, represented by its Mayor, Cristina Laborda;
• The Municipality of Torremolinos, represented by its Mayor, Margarita del Cid.

A special recognition was then presented to Dr. Carlos Javier Díez, Managing Director of the University Hospital Campus La Zarzuela.

Finally, Olympic Orders were awarded to several athletes and coaches. Alejandro Blanco thanked them for their contribution both within and beyond competition: “We are here to help athletes, but you also help us. Thank you for your dedication and for championing Spanish sport. You are the finest example of what Spanish sport represents.”

The recipients of the Olympic Order were:

• Pere Robert (Water Polo);
• Jordi Ribera (Handball);
• Javier García (Handball), posthumously, with the award received by Jesús Guerrero, a family representative and friend;
• María Pérez (Athletics);
• Ignacio Sola (Athletics).