Related links:  Entertainers/Athletes      Pilota      www.EuskoKirolak.com (Boise, ID)
Traditional sport overview

In the Basque country today modern sport is actively engaged in; there are teams and leagues for soccer, basketball, swimming, etc.  This page, however, focuses on traditional Basque sports because they are both distinctive and are what most spectators at a Basque-American event are likely to see. 

With the notable exception of pilota (Basque handball), most traditional Basque sports originated as forms of work that were turned into contests.  Based in an agrarian culture, the weight-lifting and wood chopping, for example, were everyday work tasks that competitive Basques converted into matches. 

These sports test not only speed and skill but endurance as well.  Then there were also less strenuous contests including the Basque version of bowling.  Below are some of these varied Basque traditional sports.

PALA:  www.eljuegodepala.com

Click on the images to enlarge them:

Bolategia-bowling	Estrapodak-rowing	Gizon probak-Weight dragging
Idi probak-Oxen pull	Korrika-foot racing	Koskoal-harvesting
Harrijasozalea-weightlifting	Sokatira-tug-of-war	Pilota handball.