In 1900, pelota players Jose de Amezola y Azpizua and Francisco Villota became Spain's first Olympic champions.
Some 12 years later the Spanish Olympic Committee was founded.
On December 12, HRH Prince Felipe will celebrate its centenary, accompanied by President of the International Olympic Committee, Jacques Rogge and Alejandro Blanco, President of the Spanish Olympic Committee and chairman of Madrid’s bid to host the 2020 Games.
The Olympic family will turn out in force for Wednesday’s event, with a guest list including presidents on national Olympic committees, presidents of national and international sports federations as well as prominent representatives of from the world of politics, sports and economics.
Also attending the event are three Spanish members of the International Olympic Committee, J.uan Antonio Samaranch Salisachs, Marisol Casado and Patxi Perurena.
Mr Blanco promised guests a "tremendously exciting gala" and one "full of surprises".
Among more than 150 Spanish Olympic medallists attending the Gala are Emilio Sanchez Vicario, (men’s doubles silver medallist in 1988) and his sister, former world number one Arantxa Sanchez Vicario, who has four medals to her name. The sibilings will be joined by fellow titan of tennis Conchita Martínez.
Others attending include synchronized swimmer Gema Mengual, sailor Theresa Zabell (gold in Barcelona and Atlanta) and canoeist David Cal, Spain’s most decorated Olympian with one gold and four silver medals.
Also invited is gymnast Gervasio Deferr, cyclist Joan Llaneras, the great Majorcan track cyclist, basketball player Felipe Reyes, athlete Fermin Cacho, who outsprinted rivals to the 1500m title in Barcelona, and slalom specialist Blanca Fernandez Ochoa.
Mr Blanco said: "It’s a great honour for me that the centenary coincides with my presidency. But the event will also serve as a tribute to all my predecessors and all the athletes who have for so many years and through such great effort ensured that the Spanish flag has flown at the highest level in the world of sport.
"And I am especially grateful that His Royal Highness the Prince of Asturias and Mr Jacques Rogge are able to be with us in such a special event.
"It will be a unique day, which will remembered with pride in the annals of Spanish history."
For more information contact: Sandra Serrano
International Communications Department
Madrid 2020 Bid Committee
Phone: +34 91 1922020
aserrano@madrid2020.es
www.madrid.es
www.facebook.com/madrid2020
@Madrid2020ES
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These press releases appear as sent to Around the Rings and are not edited for spelling, grammar or punctuation.
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