Nadal Receives Highest Spanish Distinction
The Community of Madrid, one of the 17 autonomous communities of Spain, has honored Spanish tennis professional Rafael Nadal with the highest order distinction awarded by the region, the “Great Cross of the Order of the Second of May” which is known as “Grand Cross of the Order of Dos de Mayo”. Nadal was honored with the distinction by the region president, Isabel Díaz Ayuso just last night on Thursday, December 3rd, 2020 in a ceremony held at the Real Casa de Correos (Royal Post Officer), an 18th century building that serves as the Presidential Office for the head of the regional government.
Upon receiving the honor, the Spaniard expressed his gratitude and spoke a few words in regards to the pandemic: “I want to remember first of all the victims of this terrible pandemic that we are experiencing and all their families… I think it affects all of us, in one way or another, but especially those who have lost a loved one. Thanks to all the health personnel, especially in Madrid, a community that was badly hit in the first wave. And thanks also to the State security forces and bodies. I am convinced that Spain will do what it always knew how to do, to get ahead in the toughest and most difficult circumstances. This time it will not be an exception.”
He continued his speech by saying, “Thank you for this recognition, it is an honor… I want to thank and share this distinction with the citizens of the Madrid Community, a place that I feel very close to and where I receive a special affection and I have enjoyed unforgettable moments both professionally and personally, and that always supports all sport, in a golden age. We all owe a lot to this Community. We all owe a lot because it has always been with us… I hope that what we are experiencing now will be remembered and we will soon be able to share and enjoy the things that make us happy in the way we were used to… Let this end as soon as possible. You have made this day unforgettable for me.”
While the year has been tough on the world, Rafael Nadal has had an especially record-setting tour and year itself as he was awarded his 13th French Open trophy, equalling Roger Federer’s 20 Grand Slam record. He was also able to break Jimmy Connors’ record for the most number of consecutive weeks in the Top 10 World Rankings. Furthermore, he won the 1000th match of his career, becoming only the 4th person to achieve this feat in the Open Era.
President Isabel Díaz Ayuso of the Community of Madrid, Spain presenting Rafael Nadal with the honor at the Real Casa de Correos:
La Comunidad de Madrid otorga la Gran Cruz de la Orden del Dos de Mayo al mejor deportista español de todos los tiempos.
— Isabel Díaz Ayuso (@IdiazAyuso) December 3, 2020
A un hombre tenaz, sacrificado, luchador y sobre todo, humilde.
Gracias @RafaelNadal, te queremos. pic.twitter.com/ZwEfPkaqRE
When posting his photograph with the flags of the region and his newly received badge, Nadal captioned saying, “Very grateful to the Community of Madrid, its President and the Governing Council for the honor received from them and from all the people of Madrid with the imposition of the Great Cross of the Order of the Two of May”, showing his gratitude and excitement for receiving the award.
Congratulations Nadal, you deserve this and more! Here’s to numerous uncountable more awards and accolades to come for you!
Credit: Isabel Díaz Ayuso
