Joxemari Mitxelena, born in Oiartzun in 1958, has launched an enterprising initiative titled *Pilota Zazpi Haizetara* (Pelota to the Seven Winds) with the goal of transforming the Basque Pelota Federation. His primary focus is to strengthen the sport from its grassroots level. “Without local clubs, there would be no professional pelota players or national teams,” he emphasizes.Mitxelena, a Gipuzkoan native, also aims to champion the Basque language, leverage social media for outreach, and boost women’s participation in pelota if elected this Saturday.
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Joxemari Mitxelena
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Asier Amondo
Vice President. -
Gorgeous Urresti
Secretary. -
Eduardo Agirre
Treasurer. -
Oier Zearra
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Aritz Erkiaga
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Ixaso Erasun
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Ibon Bar
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Peru Egurbide
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Ion Eskudero
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Hail Badiola
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Sea of Zubizarreta
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Aimar Amondo
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Koldo Uribe
Vocal.
– What motivated you to step forward as a candidate?
– Our decision stems from the progress we’ve made within the federation. We’ve initiated meaningful projects and are eager to build on them, striving to enhance our efforts and introduce innovative ideas to elevate the sport further.
Our team consists of fourteen passionate individuals, all driven by a shared enthusiasm and dedication to our work.
- Over the past nine years, he has overseen direct games in Vasca.
– Absolutely.I’ve been involved in baseball for 53 years, with around three decades spent on club boards of directors. Beyond managing direct games for the federation, I’ve also served as the coach for the official Euskal Selekzioa, as these roles often overlap in this field.
– What key aspects define your program?
– Our vision is to transform the federation into a true “club of clubs.” we aim to empower local clubs, as they are the backbone of the sport. Without them, there would be no professional leagues or national teams. For us, grassroots progress is the top priority.
- Any other priorities?
– We’re committed to promoting the Basque language. Basque pelota is unique in that it carries the name of our language. We’ve developed a strategic plan to intertwine pelota and basque culture. Additionally, we’re focusing on enhancing communication and leveraging social media to attract new sponsors and expand our reach.
– You’ve also emphasized women’s pelota.
– Our team includes three women, reflecting our commitment to inclusivity, starting from school-level sports. Alaitz Badiola, a member with 20 years of experience, brings deep insights into grassroots development. Itxaso Erasun,a professional pelota player,provides firsthand knowledge of the challenges and aspirations of female athletes. Lastly, Itsaso zubizarreta, with her experience on the Markina club board, offers valuable management expertise.
– What about the Basque national team?
– As 2016, we’ve been active members of the International Pelota Confederation. We’ve consistently participated in championships, achieving strong results with players from Navarra and Iparralde, all without controversy. other nations have fully accepted us, and we aim to strengthen our presence further. our goal is not just participation but becoming a highly competitive force.
– How do you evaluate the leadership of outgoing president Gotzon Enbil?
– I’ve had the pleasure of working alongside him as treasurer for four years. Despite our limitations, we collaborated effectively and achieved important progress together.
– Do you believe Hispaniola’s proposed resources for integrating the basque team into the International will be effective?
– I’m not an expert in that area, but I remain hopeful. Ultimately, it’s a matter beyond our direct control.
The Spanish
«I’ve always maintained a strong rapport with Javier Conde, so I anticipate improved relations moving forward»
Training Rights
– Can the relationship with Hispaniola be restored under its new president?
– I’ve always enjoyed a positive relationship with Javier Conde. Given this history, I’m confident that our ties will only strengthen under his leadership.
- What areas require more focus in pelota?
– We need to prioritize youth development, modernize training facilities, and increase funding for grassroots programs. Additionally, fostering partnerships with schools and local communities will help nurture the next generation of players. Expanding our digital presence and engaging younger audiences through innovative campaigns will also be crucial for the sport’s growth.
To secure the future of Basque pelota, we must start by strengthening its foundation. Recent years have seen a decline in the number of licenses issued, signaling a need for urgent action. One promising step forward is the approval of the Plan of Cultural Interest (PIC) by the Basque Parliament. This initiative, already implemented in countries like Ireland and the Netherlands, and also in Valencian pelota, would elevate Basque pelota beyond a mere sport. It would be recognized as a vital part of history, culture, and heritage, unlocking broader support and funding opportunities. Such investment would revitalize local clubs, which are the backbone of the sport, ensuring the survival of professional leagues and the national team.
– Amateur baseball serves as a talent pool for professional organizations, yet clubs frequently enough see minimal returns.
- Absolutely. Over the last four years,efforts to secure fair compensation have faced significant challenges. this issue remains unresolved, and we must revisit it soon. A collaborative discussion on training rights and fair compensation is essential to create a sustainable ecosystem for the sport.
– There are positive developments, such as the growing popularity of basket tip.
– Indeed. Innovations like the luzea bounce and Pasaka, along with the rise of women’s pelota, have injected new energy into the sport.The basket tip, in particular, has gained significant traction, showcasing the potential for growth. We must continue to nurture these advancements to ensure the sport evolves and thrives for future generations.
Joxemari Mitxelena’s Vision for the Future of Basque Pelota: A Grassroots Revolution
In the heart of the Basque Country, a transformative movement is underway in the world of Basque pelota, lead by Joxemari Mitxelena, a seasoned figure with over five decades of dedication to the sport. Mitxelena, born in Oiartzun in 1958, has unveiled an aspiring initiative titled Pilota Zazpi Haizetara (Pelota to the Seven Winds), aiming to revitalize the Basque Pelota Federation from its grassroots. His candidacy for the presidency, set to be decided this Saturday, represents a pivotal moment for the sport, with a focus on strengthening local clubs, promoting the Basque language, leveraging social media, and boosting women’s participation.
A Grassroots-First Approach
Mitxelena’s vision is clear: the foundation of Basque pelota lies in its local clubs. “Without local clubs, there would be no professional pelota players or national teams,” he asserts. His program seeks to transform the federation into a “club of clubs,” empowering these grassroots organizations to thrive. This approach recognizes that the sport’s future depends on nurturing talent at the community level, ensuring a steady pipeline of players who can compete at the highest levels.
Championing Basque Culture and Language
Basque pelota is more than just a sport; it is a cultural emblem of the Basque people. Mitxelena’s initiative places a strong emphasis on intertwining pelota with Basque culture and language.“Basque pelota is unique in that it carries the name of our language,” he notes. His team has developed a strategic plan to promote the Basque language through the sport, ensuring that pelota remains a vibrant expression of Basque identity. This cultural focus is not just about preserving tradition but also about attracting new audiences and sponsors who value the sport’s heritage.
Leveraging Social Media for Growth
In an era were digital platforms dominate interaction, mitxelena recognizes the importance of social media in expanding pelota’s reach. His team is committed to enhancing communication strategies to attract new sponsors and engage younger audiences. By leveraging platforms like Instagram, Twitter, and YouTube, the federation aims to showcase the excitement and tradition of pelota to a global audience, ensuring its relevance in the modern sports landscape.
A Commitment to Women’s Pelota
Mitxelena’s team includes three women, reflecting a strong commitment to inclusivity and gender equality in the sport.Alaitz Badiola, with 20 years of experience in grassroots advancement, Itxaso Erasun, a professional pelota player, and itsaso zubizarreta, with expertise in club management, bring diverse perspectives to the table. Their inclusion underscores Mitxelena’s dedication to fostering women’s participation in pelota, starting from school-level sports and extending to professional leagues.
Strengthening the Basque National Team
As 2016, the Basque national team has been an active member of the International Pelota Confederation, consistently achieving strong results in championships. Mitxelena aims to build on this success, transforming the team into a highly competitive force on the global stage. His leadership will focus on collaboration with players from Navarra and Iparralde, ensuring that the Basque team continues to gain recognition and respect internationally.
A Collaborative Leadership Style
Mitxelena’s leadership is characterized by collaboration and respect for his predecessors. reflecting on his four years as treasurer under outgoing president gotzon Enbil, he acknowledges the progress made despite limitations. “We collaborated effectively and achieved critically importent progress together,” he states. This collaborative spirit will be crucial as he seeks to unite the federation and drive it toward a brighter future.
Looking Ahead
As the election approaches, Mitxelena’s candidacy represents a bold step forward for Basque pelota.His complete vision, rooted in grassroots development, cultural preservation, and inclusivity, offers a roadmap for the sport’s growth and sustainability. With a team of 14 passionate individuals by his side, Mitxelena is poised to lead the Basque Pelota Federation into a new era of success and innovation.
In the words of Mitxelena, “Our goal is not just participation but becoming a highly competitive force.” With his leadership, the future of Basque pelota looks brighter than ever.
