The Government of the Valencian Community has awarded the High Distinction and the Grand Cross of the Order of Jaume I to the Conqueridor to two of its most outstanding athletes born in the region: the FC Barcelona forward, Ferran Torres, and the Real Madrid midfielder, Alejandro Grimaldo. The event, held at the Palau de la Generalitat during the Nou D'Octubre festivities, coincided with the commemoration of the festival of all Valencians.
The recognition was presented along with other Valencian sports figures. Among those awarded were the rhythmic gymnasts Marina Cortelles and Lucía Muñoz, as well as the canoeist Bárbara Pardo, who received the Generalitat's Silver Medal for Sports Merit. The event was attended by the relatives of the winners: Ferran's sister, Arantxa Torres, collected the award on his behalf, while Alejandro Grimaldo's father took the stage to receive the honor.
Juan Francisco Pérez Llorca, president of the Generalitat Valenciana, was the one who presented the awards. The plenary session of the Consell Valenciano highlighted that the players of the Spanish team have demonstrated the values that justify the granting of this distinction. According to the Consell spokesperson, the recent sporting achievements of Torres and Grimaldo are the result of their discipline, effort and ability to improve, and contribute to enhancing the image of the Valencian Community.
The official event, which took place in the middle of the Nou D'Octubre celebration, highlighted the importance of recognizing athletes who, with their performance, value the region at a national and international level. The awards, which include the High Distinction and the Grand Cross of the Order of Jaume I, are the highest honors that the Generalitat can grant to its citizens.