Manex Errenteria: "Now we are opening the doors of the Eusko Etxea to all Venezuelans, so that we can continue to have new blood.”"

Manex Errenteria, from the Centro Vasco de Caracas, Venezuela came to South San Francisco, California to play Paleta Cuero.

An avid Pelota Cuero and Pala Goma player, Manex started playing pelota thirteen years ago at his local Basque center, practicing with friends and competing in games on Sundays. Manex expressed his satisfaction and amazement with the tournament in South San Francisco.  In addition, he learned about the situation of various countries around the world that play pelota.  Manex stated, “I didn’t realize that a pelota court existed in South San Francisco.  From what I have learned, there are a lot of pelota courts that exist.  Now, we just need more players to get motivated to play.” 

He loves the world of pelota and feels that although a lot has been lost due to many different reasons, but tournaments such as this one can give a lot of life to the game.  Recently when he traveled to the Basque Country for training.  He realized that there are so many specialties being played and and how important they are.  Manex stated,  “In my country, we have gotten rid of having exclusively Basque people play the game.   In the past, there were always plenty of Basques around to play the game.  However, now we are opening the doors of the Eusko Etxea to all Venezuelans, so that we can continue to have new blood.”