Lorenzo and Márquez collect National Sport Awards
The MotoGP World Champion Jorge Lorenzo picked up the 2010 Don Felipe de Borbón prize for the best sportsperson of the year. 125cc World Champion Marc Márquez was also honoured for his progression as the best sportsperson under 18 years of age.
In a ceremony presided over by the Spanish Royal Family in the El Pardo palace on Monday, Jorge Lorenzo received the Don Felipe de Borbón prize in recognition as being the best sportsperson of 2010.
The MotoGP World Champion was one of the protagonists of the ceremony for the Spanish National Sports Awards 2010, held by the Sports Council and presided over by His Majesty the King of Spain, the Prince and Princess of Asturias and Princess Elena, accompanied by the Secretary of State for Sport, Jaime Lissavetsky.
In his speech address to the winners, Don Juan Carlos said: “Spanish sport is now on a clear international projection beyond our borders. I want to highlight the successes of our sportspeople as they help our country to represent itself on a global scale.”
“Their attitude and constant work rate are of great pride and should serve as an example to all of us. 2010 has been one of the best years in the history of Spanish sport, and the spirit of survival and companionship shown by our athletes is also worthy of special mention. Their successes serve as examples and we should continue working like this,” added the King.
Lorenzo, who will defend his title in 2011, succeeded Barcelona footballer Xavi Hernández as the recipient of the Don Felip de Borbón, and in the same ceremony Marc Márquez was distinguished as the best athlete under 18 years of age following his 125cc World Championship title win in 2010. Márquez received his prize from Princess of Asturias Doña Letizia.
Marc Márquez said “For me it is an honour to receive this prize, as it shows an important acknowledgement for our efforts. It is maybe even more special because it is at national level and it is given by the King himself. It was given to me by Princess Letizia and the truth is that it is an amazing feeling and it will be a feat very difficult to repeat.
I am surprised, but at the same time I like, as much as anyone, to receive a token of affection and gratitude. My family, my team and all the people that support me every day are a very important part of each success as without them, none of this would have been possible. The awards give me strength to go on and face new challenges”.
