The mayor of Jaén, Julio Millán, accompanied by the Sports Councilor, Beatriz López, and the president of the Jaén Sports Press Association (AJPD), Manuel Contreras, participated in the presentation of this edition. The event also saw the presence of representatives from collaborating entities such as Caja Rural de Jaén, Diario Jaén, and El Corte Inglés.
“"These awards are fundamental to highlight the value of sport, which today is one of the most important things because it is linked to health, respect, coexistence, and healthy habits."
Millán emphasized the importance of sport as a pillar of health and coexistence, and congratulated the sports press for their work in promoting these values. For his part, Manuel Contreras of the AJPD, highlighted that the gala is an opportunity to recognize both prominent figures and young talents, as well as those who support sports from various fields.
Among this year's honorees are Carlos Linares Molino (Olympic Shooting) as Best Male Athlete, for his gold medal in the World Cup, and Marisa Delgado Hermoso (Muay Thai) as Best Female Athlete, after achieving triple championship titles in Spain and Andalusia. The award for Best Coach went to Francisco Javier Madera Milla (Judo), who has a remarkable international career.
In the Sports Projection category, Rafael Jesús Sánchez Castro (Duathlon), Fátima Gregoris Robles (Judo), and María del Pilar Carmona Montoro (Badminton) were recognized. The Overcoming Adversity award was given to Athenea García Morales (Parataekwondo), the futsal section of Aprompsi-Jaén Paraíso Interior, the adapted fencing section of CD Jaén de Esgrima, and Luciano Díaz Romero (Athletics).
The Sports Career category celebrated Francisco Muro Martínez (Tennis), Juan Pascual Garrido (former Real Jaén CF player), Dolores Morillas Cruz (Athletics), and Recreativo de Bailén (football). Sports Achievements highlighted Susana Martín Marín (Padel), Joel García Morales (Taekwondo), Daniel López López (Futsal), and Manuel Bueno Jódar (Boxing).
Other awards include the International Air Festival of El Yelmo as Best Event, Fran Anera (Football) as Sports Leader, Jaén Women's Rugby as Best Team, and the Villacarrillo Speleology Group as Best Club. Restaurante Bulé de Jaén was recognized in the Companies category for its support of local sports.
In the field of refereeing, José Luis Guzmán Mansilla (Football) and Sergio Jiménez Turnes (Water Polo) were honored for their promotions and distinguished international careers. The promotions of Real Jaén CF (Football) and Avanza Futsal (Futsal) were also recognized. The Clásica de Torredonjimeno Cycling Race received the Caja Rural Award, and the No Child Without a Toy Trophy received the Special Jury Award.
Finally, Lea Ducher Peyce (Rugby) was honored with the Jaén Municipal Sports Board Trophy, Elena Torres Rubio (Olympic Wrestling) with the University of Jaén Trophy, the Pink Arrows Program (Archery) with the Diario Jaén Trophy, and José Ángel Fernández “Canales” (Athletics) with the El Corte Inglés Trophy.
