The councillor for Sports and Education and president of the Municipal Sports Board, Jorge Pañeda, has unveiled a new edition of the Gijón Sports Awards, aimed at recognising the contributions of athletes, organisations, and groups that promote and develop sports in the city.
The call for nominations is open to the public and the local sports community, allowing them to propose candidates for recognition based on their sporting achievements throughout the year, personal trajectories, and initiatives that encourage physical activity and the values associated with sports.
Awards categories
The awards feature ten categories, each named after significant locations and symbols of Gijón, thereby linking the sports recognitions to the city's identity:
- Letronas de Gijón Awards: for the most outstanding male and female athletes based on national or international results.
- Estatua de Pelayo Award: for the most distinguished sports entity based on sporting results.
- Cimadevilla Award: for a lifetime dedicated to the organisation, promotion, and development of sports.
- Paseo de San Lorenzo Award: for initiatives that use sports to enhance health and quality of life.
- Universidad Laboral Award: for educational efforts in promoting sports values.
- La Providencia Award: for initiatives that promote equal opportunities and women's participation in sports.
- Milla del Conocimiento Award: for innovative projects incorporating new technologies into sports management or practice.
- Playa de Poniente Award: for individuals or entities excelling in sports and physical activities for people with disabilities.
- Parque Isabel la Católica Award: for outstanding athletes under 18 based on competition merits.
- Gijón Deporte Award: for individuals or entities that significantly contribute to the promotion of grassroots sports in Gijón.
Selection process
The selection of the winning candidates will be made by a jury chaired by Jorge Pañeda, which includes sports journalism professionals and representatives from the Asturian sports sector: Mario Rodrigo from La Nueva España; César Sánchez Tessier, a collaborator with El Comercio and technician at the Sports Service of the University of Oviedo; Ángela Sánchez Cifuentes, director of Radio Marca Asturias and Killer Asturias; David González Cuesta, director of Ser Deportivos Gijón; and Bea Otero Cao, journalist at RPA. The jury may include additional nominations before the final deliberation if deemed necessary.
Nominations will be accepted until 26 November and can be submitted by individuals, clubs, associations, educational institutions, and other interested groups via the designated form for the Gijón Sports Gala 2026.
The Gijón Sports Gala 2026 is scheduled for 18 December at 19:00, taking place at the Antiguo Instituto Cultural Centre. During the event, the awardees in various categories will be announced, celebrating the achievements and contributions of those who foster the growth of sports in Gijón.
