Magnificent 2008 Prince of Asturias Awards Presentation Ceremony.
The solemn act was held on 24th October at the Campoamor Theatre in Oviedo.
The Prince of Asturias Awards were presented last 24th October at the Campoamor Theatre in a solemn and magnificent award presentation ceremony presided over by T.R.H. Prince Felipe and Princess Letizia of Asturias, and in the presence of H.M. Queen Sofía. The Asturian capital became the centre of attention worldwide once again with its streets bursting with people wairing to welcome this year's laureates. José Antonio Abreu and four young musicians from the National Network of Youth and Children´s Orchestras of Venezuela; the directors of the organisations leading the fight against malaria in Africa, scientists Sumio Iijima, Shuji Nakamura, Robert Langer, George M. Whitesides and Tobin Marks; the founder of Google Larry Page and its vice-president Nikesh Arora; Tzvetan Todorov, Margaret Atwood, Rafael Nadal and Ingrid Betancourt shared the stage of the Theatre. At the ceremony, H.R.H. the Prince of Asturias presented the Awards.
Margaret Atwood, Prince of Asturias Awards laureate for Letters; Tzvetan Todorov Prince of Asturias Awards laureate for Social Sciences and Ingrid Betancourt, Prince of Asturias Awards laureate for Concord, delivered their speeches at the ceremony, and Matías Rodríguez Inciarte delivered his first speech as the Foundation´s president.
H.R.H. the Prince of Asturias added the finishing touch to the ceremony with his speech and called for a new edition of these Awards that bear the title of the Heir of the Kingdom of Spain. Don Felipe praised the careers of the laureates and encouraged those present to face the challenges of the 21st century with boldness. In the Prince´s own words: "As in every period of transition and of such rapid and profound changes, the current period is full of risk and uncertainty, but also of opportunities and hope. The journey we have before us is not mundane. To venture forward into these new times requires -more than ever before- skilfully choosing the course and firmly holding to it, and demands a determined, shared will, based on solidarity among all the people of Spain, that bolsters their hopes, confidence and security. It is a journey in which it is essential for all this effort to drink from the wells of humanism and ethics, which foster the best of human life". He also emphasized the importance of children´s education for society to progress. "A constantly modernized education, benefiting from a universal approach, based on effort, work well done and closely linked to the labour market", he explained.
virtual press room
Our Press Room aims to provide media professionals reporting on the activities of the Prince of Asturias Foundation with an efficient tool.
(For exclusive use of mass media)
If you still have not registered, please contact us via the registration form
