The eight universities of the Valencian Community and the Trinidad Alfonso Foundation have renewed for another year their commitment to promote university sport through the Uniesport initiative. The signing of the collaboration agreements was performed in the facilities of the Polytechnical University of Valencia and the rectors of the seven universities  of the Valencian Community were present. The seven universities of previous years have been joined in this edition by one more: the European University of Valencia.

Through this agreement, the nine entities will continue to collaborate to promote projects linked to sport; they will contribute to the development of university sport in all its areas; they will collaborate to raise awareness in society and among sportspeople about the importance of reconciling sport and studies. The final objective is to make university sport more visible and to make its athletes ambassadors of the Valencian Community. For this reason, they will wear the Sport Community brand on their kits during the Spanish and International Championships in which they participate.

In particular, the agreement was signed by the Rector of the University of Valencia (UV), María Vicenta Mestre Escrivà, the Rector of the Polytechnical University of Valencia (UPV), José Esteban Capilla Romá, the Rector of the University of Alicante (UA) Amparo Navarro Faure, the Rector of the University Jaume I (UJI), Eva Alcón Soler, the Rector of the UMH, Juan José Ruiz Martínez, the Rector of the CEU Cardenal Herrera University (CEU-UCH), Vicente Navarro Luján, the Rector of the Catholic University of  Valencia Sant Vicent Màrtir (UCV), José Manuel Pagán Agulló, the Rector of the European University of Valencia, María Rosa Sanchidrián, the Director of the Trinidad Alfonso Foundation, Juan Miguel Gómez.

The collaboration agreement is articulated along several lines: firstly, to promote, help and reward university student who, while pursuing higher education, are able to mantain a high sport performance; secondly, to promote the Sport Community brand through aid for the purchase of sports equipment for university athletes; and thirdly, to financially support university athletes who participate in international competitions. In addition, as usual, the Foundation presided over by Juan Roig will provide financial support for the sportsmen and sportswomen of the FER Project  who are pursuing official degree, master's or doctorate studies.

As in previous editions, the eight universities of the Valencian Community have also committed themselves to join in the celebration of the "Sport Day," which will take place on 4 april. In addition, as part of the Foundation-CADU synergies, a Volunteer plan will continue to be developed for the events in which the Foundation collaborates in the Valencian Community.

Trinidad Alfonso Foundation Awards

On the other hand, "VII Trinidad Alfonso Foundation Awards for university sportsmen and women" will be held once again; specific awards for sportmen and women with brilliant academic records. As in previous years, there will be an annual call for one male and one female award in each of 8 universities for those athletes who combine their sports careers with their university studies. In total, 16 students will be awarded 1,000 euros and a commemorative plaque will be given to each of them. At the same time, two Extraordinary Prizes (best sportsman or sportswoman student) will be awarded annually to the best academic records who have completed their studies at one of the seven universities. The prize will consist of 2,000 euros and a commemorative plaque. The Foundation will be responsible for paying the prize money. 

The event was followed by the presentation of the latest edition of the Trinidad Alfonso Foundation award for the best student athletes at the University of Valencia were José Manuel Nieves Cabanes, in chess, and Nikola Einberga, in volleyball.

• For more information about the Trinidad Alfonso Foundation awards, please visit the  web de UVesports