This past Monday night, the 38th edition of the San Antonio de Padua Awards was held at the Concordia Convention Center, with the presence and support of not only athletes but also family members, friends, leaders, and officials who applauded and recognized each of the 119 nominees.
Although this event always offers emotion, it was multiplied as a tribute was paid to Luis Emilio Fonseca, creator of the awards, the Provincial Sports Council, and the Sports Law. His wife Matilde and his daughter Verónica received the affection of the entire sports community of the city, in recognition of the man who dedicated his entire life to sports, generating different actions that consolidated over time.
The athletes went up to the stage one by one to receive their award with a face full of satisfaction, because this award crowns a year of efforts, where each one knows what was done to become nominated, whether by the institution or by Sports Journalism.
There was a “double smile” in the cases of Valentín Castro (Cycling), Valentino Ferrier (Canoeing), Rocío Esteche (Olympic Weightlifting), Martina Gómez Aranda (Padel), and Joaquín González (Handball), because they took home two awards, one for Specialty and one from Sports Journalism, which also chose them.
“LUIS EMILIO FONSECA DISTINCTION”
But without a doubt, the highlight of the night was the presentation, for the first time, of the “Luis Emilio Fonseca Distinction” to the best athlete of all. That choice was made by the Organizing Committee, which compared the best arguments of the nominated athletes and the winner's name emerged. Matilde, Luis Emilio's wife, Vice Mayor Magdalena Reta de Urquiza, and the Undersecretary of Sports, Ivana Pérez, proudly presented said distinction to Santiago Mayol.
The gymnast is one of the standouts in South America in his specialty and this year he traveled the world competing, having been in Bulgaria, France, and Hungary competing against the best with very good results, and it was precisely the valid argument that tipped the balance in the Organizing Committee for his selection. It is the first time it has been presented and it is proposed that it continue in each edition of the San Antonio de Padua.
“It has already been 38 years that the San Antonio Awards have been held and they do not lose relevance; on the contrary, each time we see editions with more strength, more passion, and more interest from all the athletes and entities to nominate their outstanding sportspeople. These kids are an example of discipline, perseverance, effort, getting up day by day, and meeting all their goals,” noted the Undersecretary of Sports, Ivana Pérez.
For her part, Vice Mayor Magdalena Reta de Urquiza highlighted the importance of the relevance of the awards since “they come to recognize the work of each athlete or sportsperson during the year, who are not alone but have a family, a team, teachers, and friends behind each one of them, which is why the recognition is multiplied at each ceremony.”
Officials from the Municipality of Concordia, council members, representatives of intermediate institutions, and the general public were present.
Although this event always offers emotion, it was multiplied as a tribute was paid to Luis Emilio Fonseca, creator of the awards, the Provincial Sports Council, and the Sports Law. His wife Matilde and his daughter Verónica received the affection of the entire sports community of the city, in recognition of the man who dedicated his entire life to sports, generating different actions that consolidated over time.
The athletes went up to the stage one by one to receive their award with a face full of satisfaction, because this award crowns a year of efforts, where each one knows what was done to become nominated, whether by the institution or by Sports Journalism.
There was a “double smile” in the cases of Valentín Castro (Cycling), Valentino Ferrier (Canoeing), Rocío Esteche (Olympic Weightlifting), Martina Gómez Aranda (Padel), and Joaquín González (Handball), because they took home two awards, one for Specialty and one from Sports Journalism, which also chose them.
“LUIS EMILIO FONSECA DISTINCTION”
But without a doubt, the highlight of the night was the presentation, for the first time, of the “Luis Emilio Fonseca Distinction” to the best athlete of all. That choice was made by the Organizing Committee, which compared the best arguments of the nominated athletes and the winner's name emerged. Matilde, Luis Emilio's wife, Vice Mayor Magdalena Reta de Urquiza, and the Undersecretary of Sports, Ivana Pérez, proudly presented said distinction to Santiago Mayol.
The gymnast is one of the standouts in South America in his specialty and this year he traveled the world competing, having been in Bulgaria, France, and Hungary competing against the best with very good results, and it was precisely the valid argument that tipped the balance in the Organizing Committee for his selection. It is the first time it has been presented and it is proposed that it continue in each edition of the San Antonio de Padua.
“It has already been 38 years that the San Antonio Awards have been held and they do not lose relevance; on the contrary, each time we see editions with more strength, more passion, and more interest from all the athletes and entities to nominate their outstanding sportspeople. These kids are an example of discipline, perseverance, effort, getting up day by day, and meeting all their goals,” noted the Undersecretary of Sports, Ivana Pérez.
For her part, Vice Mayor Magdalena Reta de Urquiza highlighted the importance of the relevance of the awards since “they come to recognize the work of each athlete or sportsperson during the year, who are not alone but have a family, a team, teachers, and friends behind each one of them, which is why the recognition is multiplied at each ceremony.”
Officials from the Municipality of Concordia, council members, representatives of intermediate institutions, and the general public were present.