Two weeks before the start of the Tour in the Basque Country, we are in a position to draw some conclusions: Firstly, it has been evident that the Tour has brought us a new recovery that we so badly need. It is also proven that when we have the epic as a guide, we are able to revive the abilities of the past. In the end, lethargy and impasse are phases that must be overcome to adapt to new times. I would say that, ultimately, the response we have given to the Tour has been based on a show of collective pride, achieving a resonance like no other in the world. In short, the Tour has helped us to recover the strong and attractive Basque narrative that we had somewhat forgotten.

 I would say that, ultimately, the response we have given to the Tour has been based on a show of collective pride, achieving a resonance like no other in the world. In short, the Tour has helped us to recover the strong and attractive Basque narrative that we had somewhat forgotten.

On the eve of the Grand Departure, on June 28 and 29, we held the World Assembly of Sports Diplomacy in Donostia within the framework of the Summer Courses. There the main world figures of sports diplomacy met. Leaving aside for a moment the humility that characterizes us Basques so much and facing reality, those present had the opportunity to enjoy one of the most important initiatives ever undertaken in the field of sports diplomacy. The fact that internationally recognized experts have expressed their passion for participating in this initiative is a clear indicator of the attractiveness of this town. We are attractive and that also has an important weight in our path of internationalization. The Congress has also taught us another lesson: any project needs the intervention of many actors, otherwise it will be an ineffective initiative with little resonance. For this reason, in fact, the recent World Assembly would hardly have achieved the success and resonance it has if it had been a simple academic initiative. For this reason, we came up with the idea of ​​bringing together at the congress the Basque actors involved in the practice of sports diplomacy (federations, sports associations, athletes, organizers of prestigious sports initiatives…).

From the course we can extract the following conclusions or studies:

To begin with, sports diplomacy, as a concept, is a new issue. I would say very new. Although it has been developed more in Anglo-Saxon countries, in our country there is still work to do in terms of the socialization of sports diplomacy. In the way of developing and expanding the concept, Congress has made its contribution, mainly by making its bases and principles known to those who were not familiar with the concept.

Secondly, sports diplomacy has the potential to open new doors and scenarios, especially for realities like ours. It cannot be denied that States have used sport and still use it to spread other interests to all corners of the world; United States or China, for example. Sport has been used, among other things, for economic purposes (not always clean), to condition geopolitics, to clean the image, to sell the country’s brand, to strengthen its place internationally, to insert certain values ​​and values. . We could mention a long list, but in the end, the idea of ​​soft power would be behind all of them. In other words, sport is a powerful tool to gain weight and name yourself internationally in a pleasant way, without much cost and effectively.

Third, like states, stateless nations are also in a position to participate in this field game. This is the innovation and potential of sports diplomacy for a small city like ours. Although it is not capable of overcoming borders and blockades, sports diplomacy opens paths to take firm and subtle steps towards achieving objectives. In this sense, and knowing that frustration leads to a constant blockage and that it must be overcome in one way or another, if we do not want the trains to leave at least once, it is necessary to examine the usefulness of sports diplomacy, both in theory and in practice.

Unlike a long time ago, useful synergies have emerged. But this also requires a head, so that we do not allow ourselves to be blinded by what is current or what is contingent

This is how Wales and North Macedonia have understood the differences, which share many similar characteristics with us, two models that were analyzed and explained in depth at the Congress. Both of them are close in size, they have decidedly bet on sport in their national and international strategy. Without giving up other areas, they have noted the resources they have to reach the world with strength and voice through sport and, in a systematic way, they have formed a national strategy, defining the corresponding structures, resources and, above all, priorities. .

In this sense, the Basque Country has a treasure on its hands. We have all the tools to complete a national strategy. We have all the variables to complete the puzzle. On the one hand, widespread sports practice, passion, organizational capacity, structure and attachment to sport like nowhere else. Not only that, but as the Tour demonstrates, we have the prestige earned over decades organizing international sports initiatives, proof of our good name in the world. Likewise, and no less important, we have recognized avant-garde Basque brands associated with cycling, surfing or mountaineering, which contribute to positioning and strengthening our country in the world. However, to organize all this sensibly we need systematization. A strategy that will help us organize and structure the pieces. We also need what the aforementioned countries have invented to do. That’s where I would put the priority.

But above all, we have a powerful narrative, which has few equals. We must take advantage of that above all else. There is an image of our country in everyone’s eyes, very widespread and that makes us very attractive: a resistant country, to a certain extent mysterious, epic, a fortress of certain values ​​that are about to be lost. Witness to this, our native sports, which continue to generate admiration here and there. Which country, for example, has something like a festival of joy that is a unique international brand? Some of our football teams do not meet the criteria developed in line with the duration of identity in the 21st century. The continuation in the 20th century also attracts attention here and there.

So before starting anything, we must be aware of everything. In common sense we must realize that what we have in our hands is special. Not better, not more, not less, but different. This uniqueness has added value and is a decisive contribution to international positioning.

Now, two weeks after those images that aroused expectation, it is time to read well and, above all, properly manage the historical moments experienced in the Tour. The benefit of memory must be taken advantage of now, so that the many emotional moments that have been created do not remain in nostalgia. Unlike a long time ago, useful synergies have emerged. But this also requires a head, so that we do not allow ourselves to be blinded by what is current or what is contingent. The next day, in the absence of enthusiasm, because only systematized work carried out every day will ensure future success.

In our country and in the rest of the world the situation has completely changed and, in this sense, inertia is of little use. Nation building has a challenge here: to make an adequate reading of the new parameters and, above all, to be effective in the response it can offer.

No one will deny that we live in new times. All of this also inevitably requires solutions adapted to these times. In our country and in the rest of the world the situation has completely changed and, in this sense, inertia is of little use. Nation building has a challenge here: to make an adequate reading of the new parameters and, above all, to be effective in the response it can offer. If you figure it out, XX. Similar to the successful path taken in the early 1960s, we may be in a position to embark on a new path.

The limits and obstacles that we face and will encounter are many. The key is which path is taken in front of them. Because we will obtain results according to the decisions we make. The path of bureaucracy shows us that the interests of geopolitics and States will last a long time. This means that we will probably have to keep pushing ourselves against the wall for a while.

However, faced with this reality, we will have to find new paths, with ambition, with a long-term vision, creating and stabilizing international networks, and making new partners. In this sense, we will hardly find a more powerful tool than sport to proudly speak of who we are in the world.

It’s all about finding the holes and solving them. The World Assembly that took place in Donostia at the end of June clearly showed us that sports diplomacy will have a decisive weight when it comes to structuring the nation of our country. Sport (for example rugby) has a lot to say about the dissolution of the borders between the South and the North. We cannot forget, of course, the contribution of our diaspora. We need a new and innovative agenda to meet the challenges we face. Those attending the congress held in Donostia will be partners in this process.

Imanol Galdos Irazabal

Challenges and opportunities of sports diplomacy in the 21st century.

Director of the World Assembly