- The association groups more than 80 pelotaris of different modalities, whose main objective is to promote, structure and regulate the female ball. The presentation was made this Saturday in the Oteiza pediment of the Gipuzkoan town of Azkoitia.
In principle, the 80 athletes who have created the association are the pelotaris and the palists, but they want to get closer as soon as possible to the fans of the basket and other modalities. In addition, they want to cover all levels of the female ball, from beginners to professional level players, with the aim of immersing themselves in the world of the ball and ensuring technification. In this way, they want the female ball to be a “more dignified and fair” space.
In the last four years they have pointed out that the female ball has flourished, and to continue with it they decided to create the Pelotaris Women's Association (EPE). They welcomed the help of the Basque federations and the Government of Navarra, the Basque Government and Emakunde, as well as the support of the Azkoitia City Council and the sports advisory office Avento.
“We have a lot to say, but little to say. Although Pelotaris women are protagonists on the courts, we are only part of the show”, said Patri Espinar and Maider Mendizabal in a press conference, adding that the performance of women is reduced “to play only”. In this way, they want to deal with the weak structure that the female ball currently has, creating a strong college, helping everyone who wants to move and walk in a ball in the Basque Country.
Initial action
The aim is to immediately contact sports federations and public and private bodies that promote the ball, so that they can sign agreements and create a calendar of matches. In addition, they have anticipated that special events and days will be organized in different towns and neighborhoods of the city to ensure decent conditions for the pelotaris that are dedicated to the ball.