Trinidad Alfonso Foundation, led by Juan Roig, announced the eleventh edition of a program known as FE projectR which backs athletes in the Community of Valencia through financial assistance and social promotion. The effort remains a cornerstone of regional sports development, aligning with a broader mission to cultivate talent and resilience among aspiring competitors.
The FER 2023 initiative includes 145 components spread across three categories since the program began in 2013. Forty participants join the “Elite” level, receiving grants from €12,000 to €16,000. Another forty are placed in the “Words” category, with grants ranging from €6,000 to €8,000. Finally, sixty-five younger athletes fall into the “Vivero” category, earning €3,000 if they achieve national and international results, or €2,000 if they meet a single criterion. In addition, two pathways exist to support growth and development.
For the sixth consecutive year, FER project has also funded RES Instructors, the hotline connecting athletes with some of the top technicians in the Valencian Community. Scholarships for trainers vary from €3,000 to €5,000 depending on the number of FER athletes in a given program and their category. In this sixth edition, thirteen trainers benefited. Four clubs were classified into FER Clubs according to the count of FER athletes within their squads, receiving between €8,000 and €12,000 each. The total funding allocated by Juan Roig, President of the Trinidad Alfonso Foundation, to these aid packages amounts to one million euros. Since last year, the overarching program for the Olympic cycle has been titled the “Valencian Revolution,” a nod to the Paris Games and the 2024 Olympic and Paralympic events, signaling Valencia’s readiness for a major push next year. A number of prominent figures in Spanish sport attended the eleventh FER Project launch, including Alexander White, President of the Spanish Olympic Committee; Miguel Carballeda, President of the Spanish Paralympic Committee; and presidents of several federations such as Raul Chapado (athletics), Francisco Blázquez (handball), Jesus Carballo (gymnastics), and Jose Luis López Cerrón (cycling). A delegation from Valencia Basket, headed by General Manager Enric Carbonell and featuring players Sam Van Rossom and Klemen Prepelic, the Villarreal CF shareholder Fernando Roig, and Levante UD President Quico Catalán, joined the ceremony along with other federation leaders. The event also highlighted the involvement of Carlos Toro, a long-standing sports journalist, composer, and creator of the song “Resistiré”.
FER Project Reaches 142 Athletes and 1.2 Million in Aid
During the presentations, exchanges of ideas and guidance occurred among attendees, including master handball goalkeeper Silvia Navarro, who is pursuing a fourth Olympic appearance after playing in three Games, and two UA triathletes aiming to debut in Paris 2024, Roberto Sánchez Mantecón and Enrique Llopis. Family members who have been pivotal in supporting elite athletes were recognized for their humor and emotional moments, underscoring the human side of high-performance sport.
In parallel, the FER Project fosters ongoing mentorship and strategic preparation across disciplines, ensuring that athletes gain the resources they need to compete at national and international levels. The program’s careful allocation of funds to athletes, trainers, and clubs reflects a cohesive approach to sports development, talent identification, and sustainable success across the Valencian region. The overall effort resonates with broader goals of community empowerment through sport, highlighting how targeted funding and mentorship can translate into measurable achievements on the world stage.
As the organization continues to expand support networks and opportunities, the FER Project remains a focal point for nurturing promising athletes while also fostering a culture of excellence among Valencian coaches and clubs. The collaboration among athletes, coaches, clubs, and national federations demonstrates how regional programs can contribute to national competitiveness and inspire future generations to pursue sporting ambitions with dedication and resilience.