The Círculo Ecuestre hosted a luncheon and colloquium this afternoon featuring Salvador Tasqué, Director General of the Princess of Girona Foundation, entitled ‘Young Talent in Action: The Princess of Girona Foundation, Towards its 20th Anniversary in 2029’. The event focused on the evolution of the organization, its connection with young people, and its commitment to expanding its reach from Catalonia to the wider region.
The event was presented and opened by the President of the Círculo Ecuestre, Enrique Lacalle, who welcomed the speaker, recalling the years they worked together at the Barcelona Motor Show.
During the discussion, Salvador Tasqué engaged in a conversation with journalist and writer Màrius Carol, a close and thoughtful exchange that addressed the key pillars of the Princess of Girona Foundation: young talent, inspiration, training, and the mobilization of new generations.
A Catalan Foundation for All of Catalonia
One of the central messages of Tasqué's speech was the assertion of the Catalan character of the Princess of Girona Foundation and its desire to be present and recognized throughout the territory. "The origin of the title and the foundation is to connect all of Catalonia, not just Girona," he stated, recalling that the name refers to the heir's historical connection with the Catalan territories of the Crown of Aragon.
In this regard, she explained that upon arriving at the organization, she found a foundation "very entrenched in Girona" and that "had bypassed Catalonia." "The foundation is Catalan. We want to be known and recognized in Catalonia and project ourselves from here to the rest of Spain," she emphasized, insisting on the need to strengthen its presence and impact throughout the country.
Tasqué also acknowledged that the organization was, at that time, "not very well connected and somewhat boutique." In response, he defended the work done in recent years: “What we have done is connect the foundation with young people. Create the ‘Princess of Girona’ brand.” He explained that “young people don’t understand the word ‘foundation’; they understand a brand and values.”
Throughout his speech, the CEO of the Princess of Girona Foundation reflected on the concept of talent and the organization’s mission. To illustrate this, he cited examples of overcoming adversity, such as Michael Jordan and Rosalía, two journeys that, in his opinion, perfectly explain what the organization does: “To bring out the best in every young person.” “We believe that everyone has talent. It’s not something you inherit; it’s the path you have to follow, sometimes starting from rejection, with the guidance of a good coach,” he pointed out. In this sense, he summarized the foundation’s work in three key verbs: “To inspire, to prepare, and to mobilize young people.”
The 2026 Talent Tour is just around the corner
Salvador Tasqué's visit to the Círculo Ecuestre took place just one week before the start of the 2026 Talent Tour, an initiative promoted by the Princess of Girona Foundation, which will be held in Sant Boi de Llobregat (Baix Llobregat) from February 2nd to 6th. The event will once again feature a visit from His Majesty King Felipe VI on its second day. In this regard, Tasqué emphasized the commitment of Their Majesties the King and Queen to this project, despite their scheduling conflicts.
The Talent Tour promotes training activities aimed at young people and, after its stop in Sant Boi, will travel to other cities such as Huesca, Alcalá de Henares (Madrid), Granada, and Murcia, establishing itself as one of the foundation's key initiatives to connect with young talent throughout the country.
The Role of the Princess of Girona
During the discussion, there was also time to highlight Princess Leonor's role within the project. "The Infanta and I have grown up together within the foundation," he stated, emphasizing the Princess's personal commitment to the organization. "Everything she does, she does with devotion, enthusiasm, and empathy, and she knows how to convey it. She is one of the most highly regarded public figures, especially among young people," concluded.
The luncheon and discussion allowed members of the Círculo Ecuestre to learn firsthand about the vision and challenges of the Princess of Girona Foundation at a key moment, on the eve of its twentieth anniversary, reaffirming its commitment to serving young talent from Catalonia and for society as a whole.