The Gold drum is already in your hands. On Monday at noon, in an event held in the plenary hall, the hockey and football players of the Real Sociedad received the Golden Drum from the hands of Mayor Eneko Goia, for having made Donostia a a reference for women’s sport. Nereba Belzunegi and Nahikari García received the prize on behalf of all the team members, sending a clear message to their followers: “The first thank you is for those who for years have promoted and promoted women’s sport. This is thanks to you.”

In the room, in addition to political representatives and representatives of different agents of the city, many veterans of the world of sport also met. Among the attendees were Sandra Ramajo, “Chini” Pizarro, Aintzane Encinas, Maialen Zelaia and Larraitz Lucas, as well as Mari Ayestaran, mythical player of the hockey team of the Real Sociedad.

Surrounded by these symbols, all the participants took the floor to reclaim the role that women’s sport deserves in society. In fact, according to the mayor, “what we want to reward and demand here today is that, as in all other areas of society, women also have their place in sport and, furthermore, you are excelling at the top of sport”.

The event began with the music of the Municipal Band of txistularis and the Unión Artesana and was led by the journalist Juan Carlos Etxeberria. Before starting with the tribute, the presenter recalled the journalist Gorka Reizabal, who died last December, who was also a great fan of the Real.

Then Maite Azkoaga and Garbiñe Etxeberria, among others, took the floor. Etxeberria, for his part, also recalled the physical trainer Juan Carlos Samaniego, who died four years ago: “‘No pain, no gain’ said our beloved ‘Tximist’. How much did you know!”

After them the mayor spoke, emphasizing that the Tamborrada and the Real are “symbols” shared by the Donostiarras: “To these two elements that we share and appreciate, we must add the other two characteristics that define this year’s Oro drum: sport and equality.”

After collecting the drum, Belzunegi summed up with his words the thanks of all the players: “They say that the hardest thing is to be recognized at home, to be a prophet in your land. Today we are like this, and believe us, do not fit any more honors in this conference. Thank you wholeheartedly.”

Finally, to finish the act, the players of both teams gathered on stage with the municipal representatives to sing the march of San Sebastian and the anthem of the Real Sociedad: