The Olalde Pilota Eskola launched this initiative after observing a scarcity of competitions for categories ranging from benjamins to cadets. In just a few years, this event has become a reference, even attracting players from Tudela, demonstrating the great passion for the sport there.
The tournament will consist of three match days and, from its inception, has aimed to bring together players from different associations. While in the first edition Antzuola was represented by the Galeano sisters, Olatz Insausti, and June Garaikoetxea, this year the Olalde school will present eight participants: in the benjamin and alevín category, the pairs Enara Zabalo - Paule Alberdi and Intza Lizarralde - Alaia Insausti will compete; and in the infant and cadet category, the pairs Garazi Aranburu - Elene Uribesalgo and Izaro Irizar - Nagore Sanchez. These last two pairs, along with ten others, will inaugurate the championship on Sunday, May 26, starting at 09:30, divided into four leagues of three teams.
The best teams from each group will qualify for the semifinals, which will be played at the end of the day. The grand final will take place on May 16, along with the benjamin and alevín category final. The elimination rounds for this category, meanwhile, will be held on May 10, with twelve pairs participating. This year, the decision has been made to hold all elimination rounds for each level on the same day, excluding the finals, so that participants from other towns only have to travel a maximum of twice.
“"First and foremost, to have fun; secondly, to play well; and finally, if possible, to win. Because many times you can win, but you don't feel satisfied. And it's also about making friends."
The players have highlighted that the San Isidro tournament allows them to play with soft balls, which enables them to make longer and more beautiful points, as they feel more comfortable than with other types of balls.
