The José Monleón Theater in Leganés hosted the Sports Gala, an event organized by the City Council to distinguish the effort and results of local athletes and entities. The ceremony, presented by Alberto de Paz, highlighted the careers of several key figures in municipal sports.
Local tennis player Rafael Jódar Camacho, 19, was honored as Best Absolute Athlete. Although unable to attend, he sent a recorded message thanking the recognition for his successes, including his first ATP Tour title in Marrakech and reaching the quarterfinals in prestigious tournaments like Rome, Madrid, and Roland Garros, which has propelled him to world number 23.
Other individual awards included Vega López Rueda (badminton) as Most Promising Athlete, and taekwondo athlete Yolanda Bodas as Best Athlete with a Disability, following her national championship victories.
In the Best Coach category, the award went to Javier García Fernández, a Jiu-Jitsu professor and national team coach, whose students in Leganés have achieved multiple international and national medals.
Ana Isabel Chaparro Castro, a rhythmic gymnastics referee with international qualifications, received the award for Best Referee. The award for Best Local Competition Athlete was presented to Noa, Inés, Martina, and Daniela from the Rítmica Leganés Club.
The gala also recognized the Sporting Management Career of José María Martín del Campo for his work leading the Deportivo Sánchez Élez-Sanabria Club, and the Sporting Competition Career of judoka Sarai Padilla, a national and international medalist.
The Sports Values award was given to Antonio Montalvo, a prominent figure in public sports management. Finally, the AMPA of CEIP Gabriela Morreale was recognized for its promotion of sports within the educational community.
“"Leganés is experiencing the golden age of its sport. And the most important thing is what we are witnessing here today: a representation of the 60,000 people who practice sports in the municipal sports facilities."
Mayor Miguel Ángel Recuenco highlighted the city's great sporting moment, mentioning teams in the top category and young talents like Rafa Jódar. The Councilor for Sports, Clara Polonio, emphasized the importance of recognizing the daily work of athletes who enhance the city.
