This year, a record 87 nominations were submitted in the five categories, reaffirming the growing importance of these awards in the fight against gender inequality in sport.
Among the winners of this year’s edition is the documentary ‘S’ha acabat. L’efecte Rubiales’, [It’s over. The Rubiales Effect] which received the Media Award for its contribution to denouncing sexist violence in sport, particularly in football. Produced by the Catalan television channel TV3, the work emerged as a result of the Me Too phenomenon in Catalan sport, and gives a voice to women who have spoken out against abuse and gender inequalities, highlighting their personal experiences and stressing the need for deep-seated change in the sector.
The Best Sports Manager Award went to Núria Borràs, a key figure in the world of sport in Barcelona, who has a long career spanning more than 40 years behind her. She stood out for her defence of inclusive and grassroots sport, as well as for her work in promoting physical activity as an educational tool.
Paola Manjón, adapted basketball player and Olympian, received the Best Sportswoman Award. Manjón has been a medallist in several editions of the Special Olympics, including Berlin 2023, where her team took the gold. Her commitment to adapted sport is an inspiring example of effort and the overcoming of obstacles.
The Best Sports Club Award went to the Unió Esportiva Horta, a benchmark organisation in terms of the promotion of women’s sport, with more than 270 women’s licences, and outstanding achievements in disciplines such as water polo and swimming. The club’s senior women’s team has achieved major goals, and has consolidated its position in Catalan sport.
Last but not least, the winner of the Mireia Tapiador Award for Promoting Sport was Maria José Bilbao, a key figure in synchronised swimming at both national and international levels. Bilbao has made a fundamental contribution as an athlete, coach and referee, and played a significant role in the introduction of new regulations for the 2024 Paris Olympic Games.
During the ceremony, councillor for sport David Escudé highlighted the historic moment in the defence of women’s rights in sport, underlining the gender parity in the Paris Olympics as an example of progress. “With a record number of nominations, these awards are more necessary than ever to continue advancing in the fight for equality in sport”, said Escudé.
The Women and Sport Awards continue to consolidate as a platform for the recognition for women who, from different sporting fields, contribute to promoting equality and developing women’s sport in our society.