UPV took part in the commemorative gala marking UniEsport’s tenth anniversary, held at the Universitat Jaume I, where the partnership between the Fundación Trinidad Alfonso and the eight Valencian universities was renewed for the tenth consecutive academic year. The programme has thus consolidated a decade of support for university sport and for those who demonstrate that high performance and academic excellence are not only compatible, but complementary.

In this edition, UPV recognised Bernat Ferrer, in Mountain Running, and Pau Gimeno, in Freestyle Wrestling, as its most outstanding athletes of 2025 for their remarkable sporting careers and strong commitment to their studies. In addition, Alba Rey, a Karate athlete trained at UPV, received one of the Fundación Trinidad Alfonso Extraordinary Awards, which honour the best male and female graduate athletes within the Valencian university system.

UPV’s Rector, José Capilla, stressed that “our athletes represent the very best of public universities: effort, discipline, resilience and commitment to education”. He also highlighted that “Bernat, Pau and Alba are role models for the entire student body, proving that there is no need to sacrifice academic excellence in order to reach the highest level in sport”.

Capilla emphasised the importance of the programme’s continuity and thanked the Fundación Trinidad Alfonso and its president, Juan Roig, noting that “initiatives such as UniEsport have helped consolidate a genuine culture of university sport in the Valencian Community, providing financial support, visibility and recognition to those who balance international competitions and demanding training schedules with higher education”.

Athletes from the other participating Valencian universities were also honoured during the ceremony, reflecting the regional scope of an initiative that strengthens the Valencian University Sports Championship and promotes the Comunitat de l’Esport brand nationally and internationally.

For UPV, this new edition of UniEsport reaffirms a shared conviction: talent is shaped in classrooms as well as on the field, and supporting those who excel in both areas means investing in role models defined by values, leadership and a clear sense of purpose.