The Third Rafa Nadal Foundation Awards Gala Highlights Five Social Initiatives and Former Athlete Aauri Bokesa as a “Fit For Life” Role Model

THE THIRD RAFA NADAL FOUNDATION AWARDS GALA HIGHLIGHTS FIVE SOCIAL INITIATIVES AND FORMER ATHLETE AAURI BOKESA AS A “FIT FOR LIFE” ROLE MODEL

• The Rafa Nadal Foundation and Telefónica promote the Rafa Nadal Foundation Awards for the third consecutive year.

• A total of €225,000 in financial prizes has been awarded across the three editions.

• Initiatives in five different categories have been recognized: Sport and Education, Health and Well-being, Environmental Action, Development Cooperation, and Social Innovation, highlighting their positive impact on society.

• In this third edition, more than 250 applications were received and evaluated, with five winners selected after a rigorous assessment process by Fundación Lealtad and an expert jury.

• Former athlete Aauri Bokesa received the special “Fit For Life” award for her commitment to equality and social impact through sports.

The Rafa Nadal Foundation hosted the third edition of the Rafa Nadal Foundation Awards, an emotional gala supported by Telefónica, held at Finca Son Mir, on the outskirts of Palma de Mallorca.

These awards aim to spotlight and support social projects that generate a positive impact, reaffirming the foundation’s commitment to society. In this edition, over 250 applications were received and reviewed by Fundación Lealtad, with more than 50 evaluated by an expert jury, ultimately selecting five winning projects.

Each awarded entity received €15,000 in funding, reinforcing the commitment of the Rafa Nadal Foundation and Telefónica to supporting impactful social projects.

Over the three editions, a total of €225,000 has been granted to fifteen organizations, helping improve the lives of thousands of people in vulnerable situations.

The winners of the 3rd Rafa Nadal Foundation Awards were:

• Sport and Education Award: Recognizing initiatives that use sports as an educational and social inclusion tool.

• Winning entity: Fundación Soñar Despierto – A project that provides educational and emotional support to children under guardianship, promoting values-based education through inclusive extracurricular and sports activities, fostering social skills, and offering integral mentorship through volunteer work.

• Health and Well-being Award: Recognizing projects that promote healthy lifestyles and improve physical and mental well-being.

• Winning entity: Fundación Canis Majoris – A social intervention project focused on mental health care for individuals in psychiatric hospital units through animal-assisted therapy with dogs.

• Environmental Action Award: Honoring initiatives that protect the environment and promote sustainability.

• Winning entity: Fundación Privada Integra Pirineus – A project that provides job opportunities for people at risk of social exclusion, particularly those with intellectual disabilities or mental health disorders, through sustainable forest management in the Pyrenees.

• Development Cooperation Award: Recognizing projects that improve the quality of life in vulnerable communities.

• Winning entity: Fundación Pablo Horstmann – A project aimed at improving maternal and child health in Nairobi’s slums by providing pediatric care, prenatal services, nutritional support, and medical referrals, ensuring free and high-quality healthcare for women and children.

• Social Innovation Award: Honoring initiatives that offer creative and effective solutions to social problems.

• Winning entity: ASPAYM Castilla y León – A project that promotes inclusion and equal opportunities by supporting students with special needs in an inclusive and respectful educational environment. It also fosters educational innovation through 3D printing technology to create personalized assistive solutions.

Additionally, the special “Fit For Life” award was presented in collaboration with UNESCO, recognizing an athlete who has demonstrated a strong social commitment throughout their career. This year’s recipient was Aauri Bokesa, a distinguished athlete and an inspiring figure both on and off the track, known for her dedication to social initiatives and advocacy for equality through sports.

The gala began with an opening speech by María Francisca Perelló, director of the Rafa Nadal Foundation, who welcomed attendees and emphasized the significance of these awards: “These awards are an opportunity to give a voice to projects that generate a real impact in communities,” she stated.

The intimate and emotional event was attended by representatives from partner companies of the foundation, as well as friends and family members.

A special highlight of the evening was the performance by Mallorcan singer-songwriter Jaume Anglada, who delivered an acoustic guitar concert, playing both his own songs and covers of other artists, creating a warm and special atmosphere for the guests.

To close the ceremony, Rafa Fernández de Alarcón, Director of Brand, Sponsorships, and Media at Telefónica, congratulated the Rafa Nadal Foundation on this inspiring initiative and its commitment to society.

Finally, Rafael Nadal concluded the event with a heartfelt speech, expressing his gratitude and reaffirming his commitment to creating a positive impact in people’s lives through the foundation and initiatives like these awards.

About the Rafa Nadal Foundation Awards

The Rafa Nadal Foundation Awards have become a benchmark of inspiration and solidarity. This annual event not only celebrates the excellence and creativity of social projects but also reinforces the impact of the Rafa Nadal Foundation and its commitment to building a more just and equitable future.