Sport and Citizenship Awards

The auditorium of the School of Informatics at the Universitat Politècnica de València (UPV) has hosted the awards ceremony for the Sport and Citizenship Awards for the 2024, 2025 and 2026 editions, which recognised 13 social projects, 7 academic papers and the Spanish Orienteering Federation for their work towards social improvement through sport.

Boosted by the Chair of Sports Studies – Sports Observatory at the UPV and the Regional Government of Valencia, the awards recognise initiatives that promote coexistence, participation and social cohesion. In this context, the three editions mentioned have centred on the themes' Hosting and paving the way' (2024), 'Building community' (2025) and 'Leaving no one behind' (2026), reflecting the diversity of projects that use sport to address various social challenges.

The event was attended by the Vice-Rector for Coexistence and Well-Being at the UPV, Santiago Guillem Picó, and the Director-General for Sport at the Valencian Regional Government, Luis Cervera Torres.

"From the university," said Guillem, "we have a responsibility to generate knowledge, but also to put it at the service of society. These awards recognise projects that turn sport into a tool for innovation and social transformation, helping to improve living conditions for everyone".

A partnership to boost social sport

The awards were launched in 2021 as part of the Chair of Sports Studies – Sports Observatory, established through an agreement between the UPV and the Valencian Regional Government to foster research and social innovation in the field of sport. As a result, the projects and works submitted become part of a database of best practices maintained by SEDES-UPV. They are eligible for dissemination initiatives such as the 'Aula del Deporte' Programme or a travelling exhibition.

"Collaboration between institutions is essential to promote sport that reaches everyone," stated Luis Cervera, who added that sport "is a powerful tool for fostering participation and social inclusion amongst those in the most vulnerable situations".

The gala also served as a forum for sharing experiences, learning about other initiatives, and exploring new avenues for collaboration among organisations, professionals, and Researchers.

List of winners of the 2024, 2025 and 2026 Sport and Citizenship Awards

SOCIAL SPORT PROJECTS – 2024–2026 SPORT AND CITIZENSHIP AWARDS (each winning project receives a prize of 2,000 euros)

2024 Edition

- "CEAR CF. #ChangeTheRules", by the Spanish Commission for Refugee Aid (CEAR)

- "Félix Ebanda Mini World Cup", by the NGO Casa Camerun C.V.

- "Inter-centre adapted basketball league", by ATESE Sports Club

- "Adapted Sports Programme for People with Intellectual Disabilities", by INTEGRA-T

- "Soñar Despierto Olympics", by the Soñar Despierto Foundation

2025 Edition

- "Lucentum Zona Norte", by the Lucentum Foundation

- "Family School Hiking", by CEIP Santísima Faz

- "Hockey Plus", by the Valencian Community Hockey Federation

- "Creativity, Sport and Inclusion", by the Santiago Apóstol School (El Cabanyal)

2026 Edition

- "Sport for All", by the Club Esportiu Aquarium Alacant

- "Mou-Te", by the A Contracorrent Adapted Sport Association

- "Service-Learning in Motion", by IES Vicent Castell i Domenech

- "Checkmate to Exclusion", by the Edapa Chess Club

YOUNG TALENT · SPORT AND CITIZENSHIP AWARDS 2024–2026 (each winning entry receives a prize of 1,000 euros)

- Paula Echenique Fábregas (UPV, 2024), for "Conceptualisation and design of a biodegradable and sustainable water purification bottle for high-altitude mountaineering expeditions"

- Ángel Falcón de la Flor (UPV, 2024), for "Biodegradable packaging for sporting events"

- Raquel Gil Monllor (UJI, 2025), for "Gender and early dropout in federated basketball"

- Estrella Tobarra Rodrigo (UA, 2025), for "Sport and social capital in vulnerable neighbourhoods"

- Esther Sánchez Ribes (UV, 2025), for "Inclusion of pupils with functional diversity in physical education lessons (Bachelor's thesis)"

- Víctor Romero Climent (2026), for "Innovative methodologies, motivation and life skills in the educational setting"

- Esther Sánchez Ribes (UV, 2026), for "Analysis of the actual accessibility of sports facilities (Master's thesis)"

HONOURABLE MENTIONS

- Spanish Orienteering Federation, for "Women and Sport Programme: Orienteering, Nature and Community for All Ages"

- Valencia Football Club Foundation, for "Escoles Cor Blanquinegre Programme"