‘Spanish Sports Heroes' exhibition unveiled in New York

On Thursday New York’s Cervantes Institute hosted the opening of the photography show ‘Spanish Sports Heroes’, an exhibition organised by the news agency EFE and sponsored by LaLiga. The exhibition runs through Spanish sport’s golden age with around 20 large-sized portraits of sporting figures whose hard work and dedication have propelled Spain to the pinnacle of global sport. There are portraits of athletes such as Rafael Nadal, Pau Gasol, Andres Iniesta, Mireia Belmonte, Fernando Alonso and Raul Gonzalez which can be seen at the Cervantes Institute until 30 June.

LaLiga president Javier Tebas, Spain’s Secretary of State for Sport Miguel Cardenal, the president of news agency EFE Jose Antonio Vera, the president of the Cervantes Institute Ignacio Olmos and LaLiga’s country manager in the United States Raul Gonzalez were all in attendance at the unveiling, alongside Spain’s general consul Juanjo Herrera, Spain’s ambassador at the United Nations Roman Oyarzun and LaLiga's managing director of innovation and global development Nacho M. Trujillo.

LaLiga president Javier Tebas emphasised the international exposure that the exhibition offers Spanish football and the importance of LaLiga working hand in hand with such initiatives. “When we were offered this project, we didn’t hesitate for even a second before saying yes. We collaborate with everything that involves representing the Spanish brand and we always have to be close to the sportsmen and women who are heroes in Spanish sport and represent the values and huge ability to make sacrifices that all Spaniards possess,” said Javier Tebas.

Miguel Cardenal, Spain’s Secretary of State for Sport, talked about the benefits which have come in recent years from the union between the various Spanish sports bodies and the influence that the LaLiga4Sports project has had on this. "It's interesting to see that EFE, LaLiga, Spanish athletes and the Cervantes Institute are all here together, and this is a reflection of what Spanish sport has been like in recent years. Over these years we've discovered that we have the opportunity to help each other to be better and better, and the LaLiga4Sports project is a clear example of that. Spanish sport as a whole is benefiting greatly from this entire process of unity, and so is LaLiga," stressed Cardenal.

Raul Gonzalez, meanwhile, talked about the dominance of Spanish sport and the introduction of LaLiga to the United States. "For me it's a privilege to be here in person and to be part of this exhibition along with all of these great athletes who have given us so much entertainment. I was able to do what I love most for 21 years and now I have the privilege of being able to contribute my experience to the world of sport in the United States. LaLiga is a hallmark at the global level and we're going to work on developing the LaLiga brand and the Spain brand in this country. We're facing a huge challenge with this task, and I'm going to do everything I can to get the best results," said LaLiga's country manager in the United States.

The president of EFE, meanwhile, expressed his gratitude for the support of LaLiga, the CSD and the Cervantes Institute, as well as underscoring the values portrayed by the exhibition. "It's an urban exhibition that's travelled a long way, and now it's here in New York, in a place as wonderful as the Cervantes Institute. Here you can see the reflection of this golden age of Spanish sport which has made Spain shine in many areas. We hope to be able to take this exhibition to the Rio de Janeiro Olympic Games in a few months, where all of our heroes will be present," concluded Jose Antonio Vera.