Laureus and MARCA Team Up to Present Spanish Sport for Good Honour

The first ever ‘Laureus España MARCA Sport for Good Honour’ will be presented in Seville on Friday, November 12, to an athlete who has used their position to serve others and who has reflected the spirit and values of Laureus and Sport for Good.

The presentation, at the Teatro Central de Sevilla, will take place as the centre piece of the MARCA Sport Weekend, staged each year by the leading Spanish newspaper, and attended by sports stars, administrators and government representatives. There will also be a virtual appearance by Thomas Bach, President of the International Olympic Committee alongside further contributions from sporting heroes – four-time Laureus Award winner, Rafael Nadal, football legend Iker Casillas alongside Laureus Academy Members, tennis legend Boris Becker, motor-racing hero Giacomo Agostini and football great Cafu.

Three of the most respected and admired athletes in Spain have been selected as Nominees for this prestigious new Honour and there has been a public vote to decide who should receive the inagural award.

In alphabetical order, the nominees are:

Pau Gasol + Marc Gasol - Basketball

Pau is an All-Star (2006, 2009, 2010, 2011, 2015, 2016), two-time NBA champion (2009, 2010), world champion (2006), three-time European champion (2009, 2011, 2015) and triple Olympic medallist (silver in 2008 and 2016, bronze in 2016) are the main sporting accolades which have led to his nomination. He has dedicated his time off the court to charitable endeavours, notably working with UNICEF fighting for children's rights around the world.

Marc has been a powerhouse in basketball since 2006. He has been an integral player on the Spain national team, helping them become World Champions (2006, 2019). He brought silver medals home to Spain during the Beijing Olympics (2018) and the London Olympics (2012). Adding to his long list of accolades, he was named NBA Defensive Player of the Year (2013), in addition to appearing in the second best defensive quintet and in the second best quintet in the league. He won an NBA Championship with the Toronto Raptors (2019).

Alongside their incredible sporting achievements, the talented brothers established the Gasol Foundation together, promoting healthy habits among children and their families with the aim of ending childhood obesity.

Carolina Marín - Badminton

Olympic champion (2016), three-time world champion (2014, 2015, 2018) and five-time European champion (2014, 2016, 2017, 2018, 2021), Carolina has reached the top of the world rankings and has challenged the traditional Asian dominance in badminton. In 2021 she won the European Championship three months ahead of the Olympics, but tore an anterior ligament in her preparations for Tokyo and was unable to compete. She continues to demonstrate incredible determination in her latest recovery process and hopes to compete in the 2021 World Championships next month in her hometown of Huelva.

Susana Rodríguez – Paratriathlon

Paralympic champion (2020), three-time world champion (2012 and 2018 in TRI-6, 2019 in PTVI) and two-time European champion (2014 in PT5, 2019 PTVI), Susana combines paratriathlon with her work in medicine. After failing to secure a place in the Paralympic World Cup in 2008, following ten years competing in athletics, she decided to change sports and focus on paratriathlon. She graduated in physiotherapy from Vigo in 2009 and in 2015 became a licensed doctor, starting her residency in 2016. An unassuming example of inclusion and self-improvement, Susana is recognised throughout Spain for her values and sporting achievements, alongside her work as a doctor.

The winner of the Laureus España MARCA Sport for Good Honour will be chosen by MARCA readers and voting will take place through the MARCA website, the most visited Spanish-language news website, with 80 million visits daily.

The Honourees have been asked to nominate a charitable cause to which a donation will be made in their name, as recognition of their achievements. The winner of the public vote will receieve €25,000 as a donation to their named charity; second place €10,000 and third place €5,000.

Laureus and MARCA Team Up to Present Spanish Sport for Good Honour

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