Prince of Asturias Awards 1981–2014. Speeches

4 O viedo | C ampoamor T heatre | 22 nd O ctober 2010 Football has formed part of our daily lives for more than 100 years now and is inexorably linked to the hopes and desires of millions of Spaniards. We speak about it so often and so fervently that it is like just another member of the family. People talk about football before and after the games are played; before and after championships start and end; and there is no place where its presence is not felt. Football leaves no-one indifferent, nor is it a matter of no consequence. We are, therefore, beneficiaries of a certain status, of certain privileges and responsibilities that cannot be ignored. We lead and give voice to a universal phenomenon whose significance cannot be denied, one which encourages us to strive to be better each day. Since 1920 to the present day, the Spanish Football Squad has acted as a focus for the feelings of generations of supporters who have accompanied the national team in their joys and sorrows, in their victories and defeats, never forsaking them, knowing that what a small number defended was sought by many. The squad that today receives the Prince of Asturias Award is the depository of a number of values that go beyond specific victories and their material aspects, while also being the rightful heir to a tradition that does us honour. These values are of an enduring nature with determining characteristics: effort, sacrifice, talent, discipline, solidarity and modesty. The players who have won the World Cup have been loyal to these principles and to those of fair play and honour. Defending these values, they achieved the final victory. It would have not been possible otherwise. Vicente del Bosque, on behalf of the Spanish National Football Squad — Prince of Asturias Award for Sports 2010 Vicente del Bosque has been Head Coach of the Spanish National Football Squad since 2008. — Excerpt from the speech given on the occasion of receiving the Prince of Asturias Award for Sports on 22/10/2010.