During this event, the Estepona City Council has allocated a total of 20,500 euros to support the endeavors of these athletes and aid in their professional growth. Mayor José María García Urbano of Estepona presented the 5th edition of the Sports Merit Awards, which commend athletes from Estepona who have excelled in official competitions throughout 2025 in various sports recognized by the Higher Sports Council. A sum of 20,500 euros was divided among 42 athletes in this fifth edition. The objective of these awards, according to the mayor, is to provide assistance to local athletes to enhance their technical abilities, contribute to the progression of athletic performance, and bolster high-level competitive sports at regional, national, and international levels. He highlighted, “Each victory is the result of countless hours of training, moments of sacrifice, obstacles conquered, and an unwavering determination to forge ahead. Therefore, this acknowledgment not only celebrates the accomplishments but also the attitude, persistence, and commitment to self-improvement that enabled them.” The awards are classified into three categories: runner-up in Andalusia; champion of Andalusia or runner-up in Spain (or higher: Europe, World, or international competition); and champion of Spain or higher: Europe, World, or international competition. These awards acknowledge the athletes’ dedication to excelling in their sport and their role in promoting Estepona. Mayor José María García Urbano affirmed that for the Estepona City Council, “it is crucial to continue supporting initiatives that bring sports closer to the community, as this is a means to enhance well-being and instill values such as teamwork, diligence, and camaraderie.” The list of awardees includes: Andrés Fonseca Castañeda, Andrea Galdeano Chimeno, David Galiano Puertas, María González Serret, Miguel Ángel Santos Morales, Francisco Javier Tapia González, Aitor Cugat Prieto, Adelli Demi Jaberi, Diego López Ortiz, Juan José Durán Machuca, Christopher William James Prat, José Miguel Jiménez Martín, José Antonio García García, Lucas Javier Plaza Jiménez, Miguel de los Santos Vílchez, Miguel Francisco López Vázquez, Nazar Parasy Boychuck, Juan Zotano Mena, Gregorio Crespo Moreno, Eric Jean Bourdes Vallart, Claire Simonnet, Juan Sergio Picardo López, José López Ortiz, José Infantes Gómez, Sophie Jane Onion, Gonzalo Bressam, Ainhoa Burgos PöHland, Lidia María Méndez Sánchez, Hugo Casado Sánchez, Rebeca Antonesei Cretu, Ariadna Pérez Aranda, Marta Camacho Valadez, Djao Conti, Aitor Fernández Guitierrez, Salma Amar Abdeselam, Pedro Aragonés Mora, Jorge Carlos Haenelt Maguel, Lucas Carmona García, Rafael Montero Contreras, Javier Florentino Alcaraz, Gregorio Crespo Sierra, Paula Rodríguez García.