Valencian Community Honors Recipients Highlight Diverse Excellence
The Generalitat announced the individuals and groups honored on the upcoming commemorative date, recognizing outstanding contributions across sports, culture, social causes, and public service. Valued athletes Ivana Andrés Sanz and Enith Salón Marcuello from the national football team were awarded the prestigious High Honor, a recognition reserved for exceptional achievement. The team’s recent world championship triumph also earned them the Order of Jaume I, underscoring their impact on national pride and sport. In another celebration of longevity and local achievement, Carmencita S.A. was honored for its centenary in Novelda, reinforcing the region’s entrepreneurial spirit. The Alicante Food Bank was noted for its ongoing work to gather resources to promote equality and inclusion in the community, while Polina Berezina of the Torrevieja Rhythmic Gymnastics Club was presented with a Sports Merit award for her role in the Spanish squad that earned bronze at the world championships staged in Valencia.
Ruth Merino, spokesperson for the Consell, explained that the awards for the football team players acknowledge their persistence and commitment, emphasizing how their success helps elevate Spanish sport to its highest level. She added that celebrating these achievements can inspire broader participation in women’s sports and reinforce the value of honoring such accomplishments.
Another notable decision honored the Generalitat with a title recognizing key emergency, security, and civil protection services who contributed to extinguishing major fires in the Valencian Community in the previous year. The intention was to publicly acknowledge the vital roles these professionals play in safeguarding communities and responding to crises.
In the Cultural Merit category, two distinctions were allocated: a posthumous award honoring Nino Bravo and a separate award presented to the music ensemble Seguridad Social, reflecting the region’s rich musical heritage and lasting influence on contemporary culture.
Further acknowledgment for women in sport came with the Sports Merit distinction, conferred on members of the Spanish rhythmic gymnastics team including Mireia Martínez, Patricia Pérez, Alba Bautista, and Polina Berezina, along with coach Marta Linares who leads the national squad. This recognition highlights the teamwork and dedication that define peak performance in elite athletics.
In the realm of business and social impact, Carmencita S.A. received the Commercial Merit award, while the cardiovascular surgery team at La Fe University and the Polytechnic Hospital was honored with a Scientific Merit distinction. The Reyes Martí pyrotechnics firm, together with the Alicante Food Bank Foundation and the food banks serving Castellón and Valencia, were acknowledged for Actions in Favor of Equality, signaling a broader commitment to inclusive, community-centered progress.
Lastly, the cultural and public life of the region welcomed a new ambassador when comedian Carlos Latre was appointed to represent the Valencian Community in various official and cultural engagements, signaling a bridge between entertainment and regional identity.