The Spanish Paralympic team bid farewell before traveling to Paris

He Spanish Paralympic team met this Friday at Madrida day before traveling to the Paris Games with the aim of achieving the best result and the desire for Spain to continue to be an example to follow for its cooperation, improvement and culture of effort.

The wish was expressed by the president of the Spanish Paralympic Committee (CPE), Miguel Carballedaat the event held at CAR in Madrid, attended by, among others, Infanta Elenahonorary president of CPE, Jose Manuel Rodríguez Uribespresident of the Higher Sports Council (CSD), representatives of companies sponsoring the ADOP Plan and approximately 50 athletes of the 150 representatives in Spain. Queen Letizia is going to Paris next Friday to support Spanish athletes until Monday, September 2.

“More than a goodbye act, it’s a wish for luck. Try to do it with full dignity and bring the best results. You represent four and a half million people who have to live with disabilities. Do it like you know how, like no one else in the world. You are the best. After sport comes another race and we have to help you,” he said.

In addition to targeting athletes, Carballeda He had special words of thanks to both the Royal Family, institutions and companies that support the team, support that allows the Paralympic awards to be equated with the Olympic, the development of scholarships and a future headquarters for to the committee.

“Thank you from the bottom of my heart for allowing us to try to fulfill our dreams and enjoy Paralympic sport,” added Carballeda, before Infanta Elena conveyed her message of encouragement to the delegation. “Thank you for accepting me into your family, I am privileged. Within the illusions there will also be disappointments. I encourage you to always raise your heads and fight for what you want. I will always be encouraging everyone,” she said.

The swimmer Teresa Peralesthe athlete Adiaratou Iglesiasthe triathlete Susan Rodriguez and the wheelchair basketball player Asier Garcia They gave voice to the athletes’ dreams at two round tables, where Ana Chinarro, CEO of Bingo Natura, and Josep Alfonso, general director of AXA, also participated on behalf of the sponsoring companies.

pear treeswho will be making his seventh Paris Games and one medal away from equaling the record of 28 held by American Michael Phelps, emphasized all the work behind each athlete whether they win a medal or no and they are especially grateful for the “fair” equality of prizes.

“If I look back, I think about where we came from, since we came back one hand in front and one behind. My first scholarship was 25,000 pesetas and I’m so happy that I came back from the World Cup with a medal. .Thank you very much because it is fair. We put in a lot of time, we’re very professional, and we’ve been competing with very professional countries for a long time. “I am happy and proud to be able to say this year that we are equal,” she said.

The president of the CSD, José Manuel Rodríguez Uribescongratulated the team for what has already been achieved in the cycle from Tokyo to Paris, regardless of the medals that can be won, and highlighted that Spain is one of the “most important delegations in terms of the number of participants, which is the result of effort and work “.

“Spain is among the world’s great powers in Olympic and Paralympic sports. You are proud of your results, projections and the example you set for everyone, especially young people who will see you as a role model. “You represent the best of Spain and the best values ​​that advance societies,” he said.

Uribes announced that he will be in Paris throughout the competition from July 28 to August 8 and asserted the Government’s commitment to equal opportunities, “to treat equally what is equal.”

“You will face the challenge of surpassing 36 medals in Tokyo and improving your 15th place in the medal table. “You are a strong team, with a lot of individual talent, complemented by a lot of teamwork,” he concluded.