The event, held at the Yacht Club of Puerto Madero, was attended by a range of dignitaries including COA President Gerardo Werthein, also a member of the International Olympic Committee.

First vice-president and chair of the COA’s Art and Culture Commission Alicia Masoni de Morea and secretary general Mario Moccia joined Werthein at the dinner.

Among those recognised was judoka Paula Pareto, who claimed gold in the under 49 kilograms category at the World Championships in Astana, and hockey player Noel Barrionuevo, a member of the Argentinian women's team which won the Hockey World League event in 2015.

Rower Ariel Suárez, javelin thrower Brian Toledo, pole vaulter Germán Chiaraviglio and marathon swimmer Pilar Geijo were also honoured at the ceremony, along with footballer Federico Molinari and tennis player Federico Gil.

Around 150 guests enjoyed a dinner followed by a banquet and dance.

As well as recognising the achievements of its athletes, the COA gave Aida Elena Gimenez Lario, the organisation’s longest-serving member, a special memento to thank her for her many years of service to sport.

“The International Olympic Committee have an old habit to recognise the oldest person, over the years in the Olympic Committee,” Werthein said.  

“So I want to invite Elena Lario to join us.

“Elenita is a “chick” that 36 years is on the Olympic Committee.”

Lario said she was delighted at receiving the award and stressed she was looking forward to the Olympic year that lies ahead.

“Thank you, I'm very happy to be here,” she said.

“I love the Argentine Olympic Committee, I love what I do and I love what you are able to do and what lies ahead.”

The prizes for the 33rd annual national drawing and literature competition were also presented to the award winners during the event.