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.
