During a ceremony at Moncloa Palace, the President reviewed the main milestones in Pau Gasol's basketball career, with which he has made history, from his triumphs with the Spanish national team to his 18 seasons in the NBA, where he was the first Spaniard to win a ring and the first non-American player to be named Rookie of the Year.
Sánchez pointed out that, with this distinction, which "expresses the affection of the whole of Spanish society," we not only recognize his sporting success "but something even more important: the way he achieved it." In this respect, he highlighted his "ability to inspire what we need so much at the moment: teamwork."
He also wanted to highlight Gasol's "unquestionable ethical and social commitment" as a UNICEF ambassador, in the Gasol Foundation, where he promotes healthy community life habits, with his initiatives to raise funds during the pandemic, and by being "a reference in the defense of equality and diversity in sport."
Combining professional success with integrity, exemplary behavior and kindness is something very few people can do" and Pau Gasol "has achieved it," added the president, who stated his certainty that Gasol will continue to be "a constant source of pride and inspiration" for all of us.
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UNOFFICIAL TRANSLATION
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Original statement from La Moncloa (Spanish Presidency)