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Basque pelota champion Ibon Garate, who was born in the Basque town of Getxo, is training this sport to young local people in the Basque Center of Townsville, Queensland (Northeast of Australia).

Garate arrived to Australia several weeks ago backed both by the International Basque Pelota Board and the Australian Federation of Basque Pelota. His aim was to train and teach this sport to young local people. Three or four ''Aussie'' Basque pelota players will travel to the Basque Country to represent Australia in the next world Championship.

After spending some weeks in Townsville, Basque pelota player and coach Ibon Garate has already got used to life among the members of the Basque Center in this town. He is giving an introductory course to Basque pelota and hopes to bring back passion for it among people in Australia.

There are both Australian girls and boys interested in this sport. Some of them are of Basque origin and there are others who just want to try something new.

The first classes took place in squash courts and walls, which served to establish first contacts with this sport. However, final classes will take place at the pelota court of Trebonne, the only outdoor pelota court in Australia. This court was created in the 50s by Basque emigrants who worked in the sugar cane industry and got relaxed practicing the typical sport of their country.

Moreover, Ibon Garate has also the responsibility of choosing the players who will travel to the Basque Country to take part in the September World Championships.

Source: www.euskalkultura.com