The DRAC awards have once again recognized, in their third edition, people, initiatives, organizations and projects that have promoted changes and improvements in society and that have become a reference during the last year. Antonio Díaz, the Magician Pop, the artist Mushkaa, the soccer coach Míchel Sánchez, the Sónar festival and the Sant Joan de Déu hospital were some of the winners who this afternoon collected their distinctions at a gala presented by Xavi Bundó at the Palau de Congressos de Barcelona.
The first award went to the San Joan de Déu hospital, a national and international benchmark, Contribution to well-being award, which was collected by its managing director, Manel del Castillo. Nada Al-Ahdal received the Stories with Soul award: at the age of 11 she fled Yemen because they wanted to marry her to an older man and now, a refugee in London, she serves as an ambassador for a program against child marriage.
The people responsible for the Sónar festival, Enric Palau, Ricard Robles and Ventura Barba, have collected the Cultural Project award when this event has celebrated 30 years and, subsequently, Rafael Aranda, Idurre García and Noèlia Baldayo have received the Sustainable Innovation award for RCR Architects for combining creativity, design, utility and sustainability in all their works.
In one of the most emotional moments of the night, Àngel Velasco Herrero collected the lifetime achievement award, posthumously, awarded to his father Àngel Velasco Pérez, “a self-made man, a family member and a fighter who with rigor, respect and passion gave a second life to Torrons Vicens.” The Excellence award went to the Olot Artistic Patinatge Club, 14-time world champion in women's figure skating. The club director, Ricard Planiol, and a representation of the team took the stage.
The Newcomer award went to Mushkaa, who at only 20 years old has become a benchmark on the urban music scene. “Hate overpowers love,” was the message the artist sent after collecting the distinction. The Voice of the Year award went to Girona FC coach, Míchel Sánchez, who stated that he received it “as a recognition that we have been doing things very well for three years.” And he added: “We are in a dream that I hope will take us to the Champions League.”
Finally, Antonio Díaz, the Pop Magician won the Tots som 1 award, chosen by popular vote of RAC1 listeners, for establishing himself as one of the best illusionists in the world. “What makes me most excited about this award is finding a day to give thanks because your house has been very important for the start of my career.”
The gala was attended by numerous authorities headed by the Vice-President of the Government and Counselor of the Presidency, Laura Vilagrà; the leader of the opposition, Salvador Illa; the CEO of Grupo Godó, Carlos Godó, and the general director of Business of the group, Xavi de Pol.
