Pedro Leonel, Almeria, wins the Coca Cola Story Contest's 61st Edition

Pedro Leonel Belmonte is now on the Coca-Cola Young Talents short story contest winners list. This contest, which has been in existence for over 60 years, is the longest-running in Spain. It was held at the Royal Academy of Fine Arts of San Fernando in Madrid.

Seven years after it was established in Spain, Coca-Cola launched this contest to support young talent. Today, it is one of the most prominent banners in Spanish youth literature. This edition, 12623 ESO 2nd-year students from across Spain have chosen the Contest to let their creativity flow, giving us an insight into their world.

Leonel Belmonte from I.E.S. Almeria's Azcona won the first national award for his story, 'Palabras negra.' In which he recounts in the first person the childhood trauma that shaped his life, he was born Leonel Belmonte. His use of synesthesia and images in his text was highlighted by the national jury.

Diana Gimeno from the IES Ramon Arcas Meca de Lorca won the second national prize for her story 'H20. This dystopian, postmodern tale about the destruction and rebirth of the sea was chosen by the jury because of its precise language and good development of narrative tenses.

Mirella Prada from the Escuelas Pias de Tenerife closes the podium. She reads a text entitled "When the sea was blue", in which she decries how commercial interests have overtaken the care for the environment and the limited involvement of the people. She discusses the conflict of the narrator character in a subtly intergenerational writing, speaking about it with her grandfather.

These stories were created during March's Written Tests in digital format. This was the second consecutive year. The time limit for each story was 2 hours. Creativity was the best ally. The jury chose three people to participate in a collective story that was created by young people.

Carolina Iglesias and Victoria Martin have organized the great festival of youth literature. As hosts of "Stretching the gum", a podcast that is one of the most popular today, the screenwriters and comedians are successful. They were awarded an Ondas Award for 2021. Two women who understand what it takes to confront the challenge of the white page and added humor to an extraordinary gala. The podcast was named 'CJT Podcast - Young people's eye on the future'. It was attended by former participants Espido Freire and Inma Rubiales who is now a successful writer. David Rees also passed it.

One of the most surprising aspects of the gala was Mr. Scribing's presence. He took Tablet with him and captured all emotions and anecdotes, so they could be reflected in a digital illustration.

The event was once more the home for the country's young talent. This edition, which was based on the theme of "Writing to Build a Better Future", invited participants to explore the endless possibilities of the blank sheet. It gave them the opportunity to be heroes, create the rules for a more sustainable society, and contribute to a better, more inclusive world. It was a privilege to once again witness the talent and creativity a new generation young writers," said Beatriz Osuna Director of Coca-Cola Foundation.

This gala marks the end of an edition of the Contest, with which Coca-Cola Spain once more reinforced its commitment to young people in Spain and to the education community. It has done this for six decades. The contest has supported young people over nine months, encouraging their talents and challenging them to create their future. It also served as a guide to teachers, who were key to the new generation, through the Digital Classrooms training sessions. In which Lorenzo Silva (Planta Prize 2012) was present, it was a highlight of their journey.

This weekend, the Contest activities proposal was completed with the Creative Immersion Program. It took place a few days before the gala. The program has combined creativity, literature, and coexistence among regional winners. It has provided young people with an unforgettable experience that will last a lifetime.