Sport
Sport from the Basque Country promotes players’ dexterity. Competition at Pavilhão do Fontelo will bring together some of the best athletes in the sport
Photographer: Portuguese Basque Pelota Association
The city of Viseu will host the first International Basque Pelota Championship, a sport originating in the Basque Country that promotes players’ dexterity.
The championship in Viseu will take place on the 25th and 26th of May, at the Pavilhão do Fontelo, and will focus on frontball, one of the 12 disciplines of Basque pelota.
In this event – which will be the first international championship of its kind in Portugal – the Viriato Trophy will be played, with players from France, Spain, Italy, Argentina and Portugal, including some of the best athletes in the sport around the world.
At the same time, the National Championship will take place with players from Viseu, Moita, Freixo de Espada à Cinta and emigrants from France.
The origin of the Basque pelota dates back to the Middle Ages. The sport is still played today particularly in Freixo de Espada à Cinta, where tournaments are organized.
To practice this sport, you need a ball and a wall, and pelota can be played with both hands by men, women and children, with no age limit.
