Sunday 2 April, at the headquarters of the Real Aeroclub de España in Cuatro Vientos, two of the most prestigious medals in sports aviation were awarded: the FAI Silver Medal and the Spanish Olympic Committee Medal. The ceremony, which took place during the monthly exhibition of the Infante de Orleans Foundation, was attended by leaders from the aviation and sporting world, including D. Alejandro Blanco Bravo, President of the Spanish Olympic Committee (COE) and D. José Javier Álvarez Castillejo, President of the Royal Spanish Aeronautical Federation (RFAE).

FAI Silver Medal

The FAI Silver Medal was presented to Mr. Alvaro de Orleans-Borbon, Honorary President of the Infante de Orleans Foundation (FIO), in recognition of his exceptional leadership and influence for the benefit of international air sport and his contribution to the leadership of air sports and to the governance of the FAI. With an extensive career in air sport, including his participation in 10 World Gliding Championships and his of the first sailplane expedition to the Himalayas, Mr. Álvaro de Orleans-Borbón is a reference in sport aviation and a true example of dedication and passion.

Spanish Olympic Committee Medal

The Spanish National Aerobatic Team: Cástor Fantoba, Heiner Wehberg and Olivier Masurel

The second medal presented was the Spanish Olympic Committee Medal, awarded to the members of the Spanish National Aerobatic Team: Cástor Fantoba, Olivier Masurel and Heiner Wehberg. The three pilots represented Spain at the 31st World Aerobatic Championships (FAI WAC 2022), where they won the team Silver Medal, behind France and ahead of teams such as United States and Germany. With more than 50 individual medals, these three pilots are a reference in the international arena and an example of sporting excellence for all young people who aspire to be pilots.

From left to right: Mr. José Javier Álvarez Castillejo, President of the Royal Spanish Aeronautical Federation (RFAE), Mr. Álvaro de Orleans-Borbón and Mr. Alejandro Blanco Bravo, President of the Spanish Olympic Committee (COE)

Mr. Álvaro de Orleans-Borbón expressed his gratitude for the award:

"Receiving the FAI Silver Medal is a great honour for me, but I would like to dedicate it to all those who have worked with great passion for air sports in Spain. Much more than a recognition of my work, this medal acknowledges the immense effort, in recent years, of all those who love sport aviation in our country, working successfully to raise its level internationally."

From left to right: Mr. José Javier Álvarez Castillejo, President of the Royal Spanish Aeronautical Federation (RFAE), Mr. Cástor Fantoba and Mr. Alejandro Blanco Bravo, President of the Spanish Olympic Committee (COE)

Cástor Fantoba of the National Aerobatic Team, commented:

"Receiving the COE Medal reflects the recognition of our entire sport and the team's track record of success over the years. Representing Spain at the World Aerobatic Championships is always a great honour, and winning the Silver Team Medal was an incredible achievement for us. We would like to thank the COE for this recognition, which encourages us to keep working harder every day."

The presentation of these medals reflects Spain's commitment to air sports and its excellence in this field. The Infante de Orleans Foundation, home to one of the most important collections of historic aircraft in flight in the world, was a privileged setting for this event, which highlights the importance of air sport in society and the dedication and commitment of those who practice it.

The event ended with the FIO Exhibition and the impressive Freestyle exhibition flight by Cástor Fantoba, delighting everyone who attended.

Family picture

Top picture, from left to right: Mr. Álvaro de Orleans-Borbón, Cástor Fantoba, Olivier Masurel, Mr. José Javier Álvarez Castillejo, President of the Royal Spanish Aeronautical Federation (RFAE), Mr. Alejandro Blanco Bravo, President of the Spanish Olympic Committee (COE) and Heiner Wehberg
Text & pictures: Real Federación Aeronáutica Española