The 21-strong list includes retired tennis player Juan Carlos Ferrero, who won the French Open in 2003, and road racing cyclist Alejandro Valverde, a two-time world silver medallist who rides for Movistar Team. 

Also on the list is weightlifter Lidia Valentín, the reigning women's under 75 kilograms European champion, and épée fencer José Luis Abajo "Pirri", bronze medallist at the Beijing 2008 Olympic Games. 

"As a Murcian, it is a real pride that a university of my own region supports Spanish sports as such," said Valverde, who recently returned from Abu Dhabi where he was crowned the number one rider of this year's International Cycling Union (UCI) World Tour. 

They join more than 200 other athletes, including numerous Olympic champions, who are already part of the project, which is based on the idea of promoting a good balance between sport and education in order to give athletes the tools they need to find work when they retire from sport.

COE President Alejandro Blanco and UCAM counterpart José Luis Mendoza hosted the ceremony.

Blanco highlighted the importance of ensuring the future of the Spanish athletes, in order for them to represent their countries in international meetings without having added pressures.

"A lot of countries around the world know Spain for its sports and its athletes," he said.

Directly addressing the athletes, he added: "You are competing for Spain and we, the Spanish Olympic Committee, and UCAM, want to help you."

Mendoza thanked the COE and the athletes for "the example" they are setting for society.

"In life, one has to fight to overcome the difficulties coming up, and that is why sport has a role model for all," he said.

Furthemore, he emphasised that UCAM’s path is directed to "support research in the field of health and sport".

Taekwondo player Eva Calvo Gómez, kitesurfer Gisela Pulido, synchronised swimmer Clara Camacho, triathletes Fernando Alarza, Ainhoa Murua and David Castro, and ultra runner Teresa Nimes also feature. 

Completing the list are athletes Diana Martin, Arturo Casado, Aauri Bokesa and Mar Jover, table tennis player Yanfei Shen, boxers Jennifer Miranda and José Ortega Chumilla, archer Elías Cuesta, rhythmic gymnast Artemi Gavezou and karate player Damián Quintero.



Related stories
September 2015: Spanish Olympic Committee pledges support for "Madrid Healthy City" scheme
May 2015: Spanish Olympic Committee celebrate Podium Progamme first anniversary
May 2015: Spanish Olympic Committee signs agreement with sports clothing manufacturer
February 2015: Spanish Olympic Committee renew partnership with Trinidad Alfonso Foundation