Monforte del Cid Pays Tribute to Local Sports with an Emotional 2025 Sports Gala

Monforte del Cid's Fernando Martínez Beltrán Auditorium became the stage for an evening filled with emotion, values, and recognition during the 2025 Sports Gala, organised by the Department of Sports. The event once again brought together clubs, athletes, families, and local authorities to celebrate the achievements of the town's sports community, with a full house in attendance.

This year, for the first time, the public could participate in selecting the awardees through a form available weeks before the event, thus encouraging public involvement and closeness with local sports figures.

One of the most emotional moments of the evening was the presentation of the Pascual Villar Calpena Award, a prize traditionally recognising sports careers, but this year transcended sports to honour an act of bravery and humanity.

The mayor, Juan José Hernández Rico, presented this special recognition to Carlos Martínez Mirambell and Inmaculada Villodre Morote, two young locals who, on August 19, 2023, acted with responsibility and determination, saving a girl's life in a critical situation. "Thanks to both, today that girl is alive. And thanks to both, Monforte will remember that true heroism lies in everyday work, in the responsibility with which even the most routine tasks are faced, and in the silent commitment to the well-being of others," expressed the mayor.

Inmaculada received the award in person, while Carlos, due to academic commitments, will be honoured soon at the Town Hall.

In addition to the Villar Calpena Award, the Gala presented numerous distinctions to athletes and entities that have stood out in recent years. The awardees were:

• Joan Mira Carrión, triathlete from Club Adesavi Triatlón, 3rd place in the regional under-12 championship.

• Laura Cremades García, player from Club Voleibol Vinalopó.

• Mauro Miralles Escolano, footballer for Real Madrid, champion in national and international tournaments.

• Aitor Ramírez Torres, forward for Elche CF and top scorer in the Spanish under-12 Championship.

• Israel Benito Alberola, tireless long-distance runner with over 50 half marathons and numerous ultra-endurance events.

• Marta Alacid Limiñana, gymnast with multiple provincial and national medals.

• Rafael de Castro Heredia, pétanque player, Spanish champion in doubles and medallist in various national championships.

• Club Voleibol Vinalopó, which has grown from 2 to 6 federated teams in just five years, consolidating this sport in the town.

• Female: Advanced Federation Team of Club Kayma, with provincial and regional medals.

• Male: Triplet from Club Petanca San Pascual (Alberto Serrano, Alfonso Viso, and Juan Larrosa), champions in Elda and ranked among the top 24 teams in the country.

• Benjamin A from Monforte CF, league champion, noted for their play based on teamwork and tactical intelligence.

• Alevín Team from Club Baloncesto Monforte, with 12 victories, third place in the regular league, and qualification for the provincial championship.

• IV San Pascual Challenge, a demanding ultra-endurance event that combines sport, culture, and local identity, now established as a national benchmark.

The 2025 Sports Gala once again highlighted that local sports are much more than competition: they are about overcoming challenges, instilling values, unity, and collective pride. As the event's presenter, Antonio Saugar Antón, expressed:

"It has been an afternoon to celebrate, to give thanks, and above all, to remember that sport is not only measured in goals, records, or medals, but in desire, effort, teamwork, and enthusiasm," he concluded.