The event that recognised the commitment of those who make adapted and inclusive sport a space for personal growth

Last Friday, 6 November, the Hospitalarias Purísima Concepción Foundation held its First Sports Gala, an event in the Caja Rural Granada auditorium that put a name and a face to the stories of hard work, camaraderie and overcoming adversity at Club Deportivo Purísima. It was an evening to share the excitement of the achievements made and to recognise the people who ensure that sport continues to open up opportunities.

The gala was hosted by Luisa Bolívar, director of the production company Hurí Televisión SL, and opened with a performance by the Chana Rhythmic Gymnastics Club. Music also played a prominent role in the evening, with a performance by the pianist and singer Darío Gil from Granada.

The slogan #YoCreoEnTi and the message ‘The power of belief, the strength to move forward’ captured the spirit of the event: a call to have faith in each athlete’s abilities, backed by the unwavering commitment of families, coaches and teammates. Beyond the competitive results, the gala celebrated the true value of sport as a space for inclusion, self-esteem, teamwork and personal growth.

One of the most moving moments of the gala was the tribute paid to the athletes and teams who have represented the Club at regional, national and international competitions.

Among the honours, the team taking part in the Special Olympics World Winter Games in Turin in 2025 stood out, as did the men’s basketball team (runners-up in Andalusia) and the women’s basketball team (third in Andalusia), as well as the inclusive football team. In skiing, Rosa Ucendo, runner-up in Spain, and Carlos Granados, national champion, were recognised. In addition, José Manuel Ruiz Reyes was appointed ambassador for Club Deportivo Purísima, in recognition of a career marked by perseverance and commitment.

The Values Awards highlighted the attitudes that enrich sport and community spirit within the Club.

• Fair play and respect: Celia Rodríguez Ríos, for her sporting attitude and honesty.
• Sensitivity and inclusion: The Cuéllar González family, for actively encouraging the participation of people with disabilities.
• Commitment, striving for excellence and personal development: Sofía, for her daily dedication, hard work and generosity towards the team.
• Sporting career: Guillermo Cuenca Ruano, for his many years of dedication to sport within the hospital community.
• Hospitality in sport: Jesús Rodríguez González, for embodying the spirit of hospitality and becoming a role model for us all.

The gala paid tribute to coaches Alejandro Higueras, Miguel Ángel López, Paola Romero, Gabriel Sevilla and Francisco Javier Valverde, whose day-to-day work and dedication to adapted and inclusive sport enable every athlete to learn, progress and take on new challenges.

A tribute was also paid to Andrés Román, José Robles and David Llorca, the founders of the sports club, for spearheading this project, which has created real opportunities for people with disabilities to take part in and practise sport.

Thanks were extended to institutions and organisations such as the Regional Government of Andalusia, Granada City Council, the Caja Rural Granada Foundation, the Granada Football Club Foundation, the VALE Association of Dúrcal, the Docete Omnes Foundation and FANDDI, Gráficas Hita, Comertel and TG7 Television, which will broadcast the gala next Saturday 14th at 12 noon.

This Sports Gala brought together those who compete, train, accompany and support others, creating a shared sense of excitement and a clear commitment for the future: to continue creating opportunities so that more people can enjoy sport, feel part of a team and achieve their own goals.