Josep M. "Jepi" Selva i Cristià, an international roller hockey player, was named the 42nd Vallenc de l'Any at the Valls Awards Night in Valls on 24 May. The ceremony, held at the Municipal Cultural Centre, presented 22 awards across 15 categories, celebrating individuals, organisations, and businesses for their contributions to the region.
The Institut Jaume Huguet, also known as the former Escola del Treball, received the Civic Initiative award. This recognition comes as the institution marks its centenary year. The awards programme highlighted achievements in areas such as economy, culture, education, heritage, and social commitment.
The event saw attendance from several dignitaries, including Francesc Xavier Vila, the Catalan Government's Minister for Linguistic Policy, and Dolors Farré, the Mayor of Valls. The awards night is a joint effort by the Fundació Ciutat de Valls, the Valls Chamber of Commerce, Industry and Services, and Valls City Council, with support from the Tarragona Provincial Council, Cultura Valls, and Tac12.
Honorees Across Diverse Fields
Among the other recipients, Essity Spain, SL was recognised by the Valls Chamber of Commerce for industrial implementation, expansion, and investment. Autoescola Mario and Forbus received the award for Business Trajectory. The Isidre Rabassó Casteller Identity Award went to Jordi Bertran Luengo, presented by the Colla Vella dels Xiquets de Valls.
Dolça Fantasia, led by Raquel Cantos, earned the Valls Commerce Award. In the field of export promotion, Manusa was honoured for increasing exports, while Rosa Gres received an award for opening new markets. Kellenova-Kellogg's was recognised for its long-standing export work, sponsored by CaixaBank.
Fèlix Hotel Residència, SL, represented by Àngel Ricote Navarro, secured the Social Commitment for Employment Award from Vallsgenera, the Municipal Institute for Local Development. Escola La Candela received the Josep Moncunill Cirac Award for educational initiatives, which included a €4,000 prize and a diploma, supported by the Moncunill-Giró family.
Canteras Ponderosa, SA was presented with the School Business Award by Fundació ANESPRO. The Young Entrepreneur Award 2025 went to Míriam Benítez Terreu of Space Dividers, SL. The M. Teresa Gatell Vallvé Award for care for people, presented by Pius Hospital de Valls and Fundació Ciutat de Valls, recognised both Institut Jaume Huguet and Mari Carmen Giménez Rodríguez, each receiving €2,000 and a diploma.
Recognising Journalism and Heritage
In journalism, Agustí Forné López was posthumously awarded the Joan Ventura i Solé Casteller Journalism Award by Colla Joves Xiquets de Valls. Josep Carles Rius received the Cristina Requena Giró Journalism Award, which included a €1,200 prize and a diploma, supported by the Requena-Giró family.
The Safeguarding Alt Camp Heritage Awards 2025 included several distinctions. For Cultural Heritage Safeguarding, the private initiative award went to Maria Santiago and Laura Oliva for the continuity of the cultural tourism cooperative “Camins KM0”. The public initiative award in this category was given to La Riba City Council for its “Paper Weekend in La Riba” initiative.
The Architectural Heritage Safeguarding Award recognised Xavier Domingo and Sílvia Vidales for the private initiative of restoring “Cal Joan de l’Hort” as a rural house in Nulles. Valls City Council received the public initiative award for the rehabilitation of the “Ca Xapes” building, converting it into a municipal public facility.
The annual awards programme continues to highlight significant contributions across Valls and the wider Alt Camp region, encouraging excellence in various sectors. The organisers plan to continue this tradition, with future editions expected to recognise further achievements in the community.
