Valdepeñas has recognized the effort and merits of the local athletes in the celebration of the ‘Sports Gala 2025’ on Friday night, held at the Municipal Theater ‘Francisco Nieva’. An event where 130 athletes from Valdepeñas were honored for their countless sports achievements during the past season.
In this edition, athlete Asabu Pinés Espadas and Paralympic swimmer Beatriz Lérida Maldonado have once again been distinguished with the awards for the best athletes, based on the selection made by the Sports and Youth Information Commission, a decision announced during the gala.
In statements to the media, Deputy Mayor of Sports, David Sevilla, thanked «the social mass of Valdepeñas, clubs, athletes, and families, who support each of the athletes, proudly representing Valdepeñas wherever they go.» He also highlighted that «the number of female athletes equals the number of male athletes, which is a very important achievement for our city, demonstrating that sports are thriving in Valdepeñas.»
Award Winners
Regarding the awards given, it is worth mentioning that the Best Female Athlete Award went to Paralympic swimmer Beatriz Lérida Maldonado. The young athlete is part of the AXA team of promising Paralympic athletes and competed in the 2024 Paralympic Games in Paris in the 100 backstroke and 400 freestyle events. Among the numerous achievements in the last season are the Silver Medal in 100 backstroke S29 at the European Adapted Swimming Championship; the Bronze Medal in 100 backstroke at the Paralympic Games of the International Trophy of Castellón; bronze at the Rotterdam International Trophy; gold in the 200 freestyle at the X International Open of Adapted Swimming Mareastur, and the Silver Medal in 400 freestyle and 100 backstroke at the Paraswimming World Series in Singapore, among others.
The Best Male Athlete, for his achievements during the past season, was athlete Asabu Pinés Espadas, with merits such as Gold in 400m and Silver in 200m at the Castilla-La Mancha Absolute Championship. He also ranked second in the national ranking of Sub-20 400m and 4th in the European ranking and the Spanish championship, among others.
Additionally, awards were also given to the best school-age athletes for their progression in the world of sports. The winners in this edition were swimmer Pedro Crespo Serrano, champion of Castilla-La Mancha in 50m and 100m, and tennis player Alejandra Martín, junior champion in the Regional Women’s Championship of Castilla-La Mancha.
Awards were also presented to athletes nominated in the sports disciplines of athletics, bowling, cycling, equestrian, futsal, karate, kayak polo, swimming, and tennis.
Special Recognitions
At the 2025 Sports Gala, nine special recognitions were also awarded annually to clubs, individuals, institutions, companies, and club sponsors for their support of sports. The female absolute team of Valdepeñas Athletics Club – Sistemas Valcom was recognized as the champion of the Castilla-La Mancha Women’s Cup, as well as Joaquín Pérez for his contribution to this sport. Also, the female children’s team of the ‘El Candil’ Basketball Association Club, third place in the Castilla-La Mancha Championship, and the female cadet team of the same club, third place in the regional championship, were awarded, as well as the Valdepeñas Football Club for its promotion to the third division, and the K-13 women’s volleyball section for the promotion of women’s sports.
During the gala, a special recognition was also given to the regional children’s Futsal team Ciudad del Vino, champion of Castilla-La Mancha and participant in the Club Championship of Spain, and the master section of the Valdepeñas Swimming Club, for the results obtained in the 2023/2024 season. A special award was also presented to the 3×3 junior women’s basketball team for achieving the Runner-Up in Castilla-La Mancha and participating in the Spanish Championship.
As in previous editions, the Valdepeñas Sports Gala featured exhibitions, including Paloma Puyol, the best freestyle ball player.