TOWN HALL RECOGNISES ACHIEVEMENTS OF LOCAL SPORTSMEN AND WOMEN
Monday 19th December 2011

Jávea / Xŕbia acknowleged its sportsmen and women in the annual Gala del Deporte at the Palau d'Esports Miguel Buigues Andrés on Sunday evening. The special ceremony, first held in 1998, was presided by mayor José Chulvi and Juan Luis Cardona, councillor responsible for Sports. During the evening, the achievements and successes of local sportsmen and women were acknowledged whilst the winner of the Maurive Cheutin award was announced, which recognises the work of individuals who demonstrate a history of dedication to sport and a determination to promote and spread it through the municipality. The 2011 award was presented to Guiomar Ramírez-Montesinos, a passionate cyclist in all disciplines, who has promoted the sport throughout the area, especially to women. Among her merits include the need to special bike lanes as well as the design and development of twelve dedicated cycling routes through Jávea which allows all abilities to enjoy the town's natural beauty on a bicycle.

The evening featured sports and aerobic displays as well as a presentation highlighting the activities of more than 30 sports clubs in the municipality. Two special mentions were made to the Penya Esportiva La Marina which celebrated its 50th anniversary, and the Club de Tenis Jávea which celebrates 40 years of history. In addition, the gala acknowledged the achievements of three local athletes in footballer Xavi Torres, midfielder at La Liga side UD Levante in Valencia, goalkeeper Adrian Ortolá, a bright potential currently at Villarreal CF who featured in Spain's U-19 European Championship success in the summer, and tennis player David Ferrer, part of Spain's Davis Cup team which defeated Argentina to claim their fifth title in Seville earlier in the month and for whom a special reception has been arranged for Wednesday 21st December.

The gala also acknowledged that achievements of the many clubs of the town with awards presented to: Natalia Cholbi (rhythmic gymnastics), Rafael Andarias (sailing), Sandra Castelló (football), Paco Prats (Thai boxing), Rosana Chorro (Muay Thai), Nasio Cardona (athletics), Antonio Molina (cycling), Javier Garcia (sailing), Mouna Chakkour (badminton), Vicente Serra (slot), Sheila Doblado (rhythmic gymnastics), the children's section of CD Montgó de Gimnasia Rítmica, Noelia del Castillo (cycling), Juan Ayuso (cycling), Victor Malonda (tennis), Antonio Soler (athletics), Siro Pińa (athletics), Mateo del Castillo (cycling) and the alevin teams of the Escala i Corda discipline of Valencian pilota, CF Mediterraneo de Xŕbia for their promotion to the Primera Regional last season and veterans of Club de Tenis Jávea and the Washikai karate team.

The evening also served to acknowledge the financial support that the council has pledged for local sports, including aid for Natalia Cholbi and Shiela Doblado in rhythmic gymnastics, Natasha Fear in golf, Victor Malonda in tennis, Antonio Soler and Vanesa Llobel in athletics, Gabriel de León in motorcycling and Javier Garcia in sailing. The gala finished with a raffle with prizes included t-shirts signed by David Ferrer and a small buffet.

Source: Press Release - Ajuntament Xŕbia