Awarding of the Cross of Military Merit with White Distinction to the athlete María Pérez

Awarding of the Cross of Military Merit with White Distinction (CMMDB) to athlete María Pérez

The Minister of Defense, Margarita Robles, accompanied by the Chief of Staff of the Army, General of the Army Amador Enseñat y Berea, presided over the ceremony for the awarding of the Cross of Military Merit with White Distinction to the athlete María Pérez. The event took place on March 10th at the Buenavista Palace, headquarters of the Army General Staff, in Madrid.

In her congratulatory words to María Pérez, Margarita Robles expressed the pride of all Spaniards for her sporting achievements and stated that this decoration "honors each and every one of us, for your effort and career". The minister emphasized that "this decoration is very important, not only for the Army but also for what it conveys to young people and Spaniards in general", adding that "Spain is a great country with great people". She praised the athlete as an example of perseverance in the face of adversity and love for Spain.

Momento de la intervención de la atleta

Likewise, in his speech, the Chief of Staff of the Army (JEME) listed all the achievements that make María Pérez deserving of the Cross of Military Merit with White Distinction. He emphasized that, throughout her personal life and sporting career, the athlete "has been an example of the values that link the military and sports, among which her great dedication, capacity for effort, and ability to overcome any setback or challenge stand out, along with her immense spirit of sacrifice".

For her part, María Pérez expressed her gratitude and honor upon receiving this decoration, which she dedicated to all those who have supported, challenged, and motivated her throughout her career. The athlete stated that it is a "special recognition, one that goes beyond the personal, because it reflects the values and principles that unite all of us who believe that effort, discipline, and commitment go beyond a greater cause, both in sports and in military life. In these two fields, we face challenges that test our capacity for sacrifice, endurance, and spirit of perseverance".

In addition to the athlete's parents, family, and friends, various civil and military authorities were present at the awarding ceremony, including the Deputy Minister of Defense and President of the Higher Council of Military Sports; the President of the Spanish Olympic Committee, the Director of Competitions and Events of the Royal Spanish Athletics Federation, and the former water polo player and Brand Army ambassador, Jennifer Pareja.

Group photo