The Minister for Education, Vocational Training and Sports, Pilar Alegría, during her speech at the event
During her speech, the minister, who wished the organisers "success", recalled that the Government decided that these would be the first Games in which the financial prizes for medals won by Olympic and Paralympic athletes would be equal. "A milestone in the history of Spanish sport," she said.
Alegría made a commitment to the French ambassador, Jean-Michel Casa, who hosted the event, to be present in Paris to accompany the Spanish delegation and share with them their achievements, hoping that they can surpass the 22 medals won at the Barcelona 92 Games.
Alegría was joined at the event by the President of the Higher Council for Sports, José Manuel Rodríguez Uribes; the Vice-President of the Spanish Olympic Committee, Isabel Fernández; and the President of the Spanish Paralympic Committee, Miguel Carballeda.
Non official translation