Prince of Asturias Awards 1981–2014. Speeches

P rince of A sturias A wards 1981-2014. S peeches 9 a world convulsed by many serious problems —some of which threaten our youth— we highlight the healthy, exemplary nature of sport and the great values that competitionprovides tohumandevelopment. So it is not strange that when the decision on who was to receive this Award coincided with the grave events of New York and Washington, the Jury did not hesitate to draw attention to the importance of sport as an ideal symbol of union and peace amongst peoples, and as a most noble activity that is radically opposed to so much cruelty. Many sporting values and successes coincide in the figure of Manuel Estiarte and should be pointed out here. He has taken part in six Olympic Games, was the top scorer in five of them, and has played over 300 matches as an international with the Spanish national team. Gold and silver medals, world championships and runners-up positions, the Spanish, Italian and European cups and supercups are all there in his lengthy curriculum as a sportsman. However, Manuel Estiarte has also been outstanding throughout his career because of his excellent human qualities, which already shone forth from his early days as a youth player, and in his behaviour as captain and unquestioned leader. These same virtues and his social awareness of sport inspired him not only to flee from prominence in any shape or form, but also to involve himself in parallel activities, such as being a member of the International Athletes Committee and the Olympic Committee, and being the Spanish flag bearer in Sydney 2000. It should not be forgotten that Manuel Estiarte has reached the top in a minority sport, which does not have the advantages and the coverage of other sports. His example shines no less brightly, though. With the Award bestowed on him today, we are also acknowledging the merits of the Spanish water polo team, and of all those who love or practise this sport, which is particularly humble and demanding. Before finishing my speech, I wish to express my gratitude to those who show such enormous generosity: the Juries for the Awards, the Trustees and Members of the Foundation, and all those who contribute with many hard-worked hours and endless days to making this great day a reality. I wholeheartedly thank Asturias and the city of Oviedo for their ever-heartwarming welcome and their invaluable help towards the greater glory of this institution and the values it strives to promote. I likewise wish to thank our Laureates for being here at this unforgettable ceremony, attended by high- ranking cultural, social and political representations, to whom I also express my acknowledgement. Whilst the heroic firemen of New York work round the clock amid the steel, rubble and fire, from here in Asturias, from a Spain replete in vitality and noble aims that are manifest in this event, we wish to reach out in solidarity to the American people, to the innocent victims of the savage terrorist act inflicted on this much-loved country, amongst whom there are Spanish citizens, who we remember with particular emotion. Nor do we wish to forget all those people anywhere in the world who have paid for the madness of terrorist violence with their lives and their blood. We convey our gratitude and support to those who are far from home defending the most sublime good, freedom for all. May the flames of peace that we have seen flicker in the hands of Manhattan dwellers defeat the flames of horror and death. May consciences and wills find their path to concord in the Middle East. May the inspiring, heartfelt words of the poets light the way at this difficult time for the world. Now, more than ever, we dream of a mankind in which disheartenment does not exist, where the depth of the following lines of verse are a reality: Let us hope that the thread does not break yet endless hope and may memory last under the settling light of the evening. Thank you. “Bertrand Russell used to say that the only thing that would redeem humanity is cooperation, as it is useless to wish good on oneself without also wishing it upon everybody.”