Jon Orbegozo Revitalizes Gurea Pelota Court in Azkoitia After Leaving Professional Sport

The Azkoitia native, who had to quit the sport after two serious work accidents, takes over the management of the court to make it a community hub.

Generic image of a pelota ball on a court.
IA

Generic image of a pelota ball on a court.

Jon Orbegozok, a former pelota player, has taken over the management of the Gurea pelota court in Azkoitia with the aim of transforming it into a community meeting point.

Jon Orbegozok (Azkoitia, 1985), who started playing pelota at the age of four and quit at 24, has returned to the sport as the manager of the Gurea pelota court. His goal is to make the court an attractive meeting place for the community.
Orbegozo, who played pelota from a young age, faced difficulties balancing work and training, eventually leading him to abandon his sports career. Later, he suffered two serious work accidents, the first resulting in a leg injury and the second a fractured spine. Thanks to rehabilitation, he can now lead a 'normal' life, although he must avoid strenuous physical activity.
During his recovery, he began to consider managing the pelota court. When the local council put the concession out to tender, Orbegozo submitted his project and, being the sole candidate, took on the responsibility. The court's condition was not poor, but the bar area and other spaces were minimally utilized.
Orbegozo has revamped the bar's appearance, opened the kitchen, and now offers hamburgers made with locally-raised meat. Customer feedback has been positive, and more people are gradually visiting the venue. A significant challenge has been reminding the public that the court is open again.
Maintaining the pelota court is a top priority for Orbegozo, as even professional players use it for training. He ensures thorough daily cleaning and enjoys meeting new people from the pelota world. He acknowledges the 'essential' support of his wife.
Looking ahead, his plans include expanding the bar and kitchen offerings and launching a home delivery service. He also aims to transform the court into a space for leisure and culture, and is considering organizing monthly traditional Basque music gatherings (romerías).