The Balearic Government has awarded the Gold Medal of the Autonomous Community to María Luisa Cava de Llano, former ombudsman and prominent lawyer based in Ibiza, in recognition of her career in the political and legal field. Along with her, the former basketball player Rudy Fernández has also been awarded.
Both will receive the distinction on February 28th in a ceremony at the Lonja de Palma, where the Ramon Llull Awards will also be presented to 17 personalities and entities from different sectors.
A life dedicated to law and public service in the Balearic Islands
Born in Barcelona in 1948, María Luisa Cava de Llano has developed an extensive legal and political career in the Balearic Islands, with a special link to Ibiza, where she has lived and practiced most of her activity.
She was deputy and vice-president of the Balearic Parliament, in addition to holding the position of Ombudsman between 2010 and 2012, where she stood out for her defense of citizens’ rights and her firmness on high-impact social issues.
Recognition of key figures for the Balearic Islands
Together with Cava de Llano, the Government has decided to award the Gold Medal to Rudy Fernández, one of the most successful sportsmen in Spanish basketball. Born in Palma in 1985, he has played in the NBA, has been a key player in Real Madrid and has played in six Olympic Games, winning two silver medals and one bronze medal with the Spanish national team.
In addition, the Ramon Llull 2024 Awards have been granted to 17 personalities and entities of the Balearic Islands, among them the actress Victoria Luengo, the paratriathlete Nil Riudavets and the Vicente Ferrer Foundation, chaired by Anna Ferrer.
Also honored were nutrition researcher Dora Romaguera, humorist Agustín Martínez, ‘El Casta’, agricultural engineer Joan Rallo and Ibizan designer Tony Bonet, recognized for his contribution to the world of fashion on the island.
A tribute to diversity and social engagement
Other recipients of the Ramon Llull Award include Paralympic athlete Joan Munar, the Association of Mothers and Fathers of People with Disabilities (Amadiba) and Grupo Piñero, one of the leading companies in the tourism sector.
Also awarded were educational and social figures such as Asunción Gallardo, director of the Gabriel Vallseca school in Son Gotleu, the Bartomeu Ensenyat y Estrany Music and Dance School of Mallorca, the Fishermen’s Guild of Formentera, the Salesian Congregation of Ciutadella and the Balearic contingent that collaborated in helping those affected by the hurricane in Valencia.
Posthumously, the lawyer Rafael Perera and the physician Bartolomé Beltrán, both with an outstanding career in their respective fields, were recognized.
Official ceremony in Palma
The awards ceremony will be held on February 28 at the Lonja de Palma, in an event that will serve to value the contribution of personalities and institutions that have worked in favor of Balearic society in different areas.
