Bizkaia had the opportunity to pay tribute this afternoon to Surne Bilbao Basket alongside the Tree of Gernika following their recent triumph in the FIBA Europe Cup final. The delegation of the «men in black» moved to the Casa de Juntas de Gernika with their president, Isabel Iturbe March, their coach, Jaume Ponsarnau, and members of the Board of Directors, coaching staff, and the entire team.
The President of the Juntas Generales, Ana Otadui Biteri, accompanied by members of the Board, spokespersons from the junteros groups, and representatives of the Chamber, wanted to thank Surne Bilbao Basket for the gesture of coming today to the «symbolic» Tree of Gernika, as the culmination of the official tribute events that have taken place since they won the continental title in Thessaloniki.
«Last week we had the opportunity to celebrate this title with you in Bilbao. But here, in this historic Casa de Juntas de Gernika and under the protection of the Tree of Gernika, we also want to welcome you, because this is a well-deserved recognition and because this symbolic place gives a special meaning to the celebration. This is the first time you come to this emblematic place, but I am sure it will not be the last,» highlighted Otadui.
The event, held under the oak tree and with the trophy as a witness, served for all of Bizkaia to pay a small tribute to the champions. A territory that last week pushed with strength and enthusiasm for the Bilbao club to achieve their first continental title in history.
Therefore, the President of the Juntas wanted to convey the gratitude of all the fans. «All of Bizkaia is very proud of this feat, because we know that what you have done is not easy, and this is our tribute,» she concluded.
On the other hand, the President of Surne Bilbao Basket, Isabel Iturbe March, pointed out the «honor» it represents for the club to come to the Parliament of Bizkaia with the champion trophy. «We are especially excited to feel so loved and for all of Bizkaia to feel this achievement as their own, because that is what we dedicate ourselves to every day. We want the entire Territory to feel proud of Bilbao Basket and basketball for the behavior of the club, its fans, and the values it conveys,» she said.
After the speeches, the Juntas Generales of Bizkaia and Surne Bilbao Basket came together for a family photo under the oak tree of Gernika, as was done last year around this time by a large representation of Athletic Club de Bilbao with the Cup. That was a historic moment for the Casa de Juntas de Gernika, as for the first time a major trophy from the red and white team posed next to the Tree of Gernika, the most universal symbol of the Basques.
Today, the snapshot was repeated, but with Surne Bilbao Basket as the protagonist. The president and the coach of the club signed the Book of Honor of the Casa de Juntas.