Donibane recently celebrated its vibrant sporting community with an awards ceremony recognizing local athletes and dedicated volunteers. the event highlighted the municipality’s ongoing commitment to accessible sports, culminating in the renewal of the prestigious “Commune Sport pour Tous – 5 étoiles” label for 2025-2028-a distinction earned through rigorous evaluation of inclusive programs and facilities. This recognition underscores Donibane’s dedication to fostering a healthy and active lifestyle for all residents, from competitive athletes to those seeking recreational opportunities.
The city celebrated its local athletes with an awards ceremony on Friday, January 16th, at the Tanka Cultural Center Peyuco Duhart. The highlight of the evening was the renewal of the “Commune Sport pour Tous – 5 étoiles” label, the highest distinction awarded, for the period 2025-2028.
Awards Ceremony Highlights Local Sporting Achievements
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The annual event honored athletes from local clubs and school sports associations who have represented the city throughout the year.
For over 21 years, the municipality has recognized the dedication, performance, and values embodied by the local sports community, with elected officials, association representatives, and institutional partners in attendance.
Promoting Inclusive Sport and Volunteerism
The ceremony underscored the importance of sport as a driver of social cohesion, health, and well-being.
The dynamism of local sports organizations and the consistent support provided to athletes at all levels were also emphasized.
The event also shone a light on the vital role of coaches, trainers, referees, and volunteers, whose year-round efforts are essential to these successes.
Local Athletes Recognized for Outstanding Performance
The city honored three athletes who particularly distinguished themselves in 2025:
- Patxi Etcheverrigaray, a city employee, finished 71st out of 2,064 participants in the Diagonale des Fous, a world-renowned ultra-trail race.
- Céline Pariès challenged herself with the grueling BikingMan Maroc ultracycling event.
- Annah Abravanel won a gold medal at the Australian Coastal Rescue Championships in the flags event, confirming her international excellence.
These impressive achievements showcase the diversity of sports practiced in the area and the ability of local athletes to compete on a broader stage.
Collective Success Reflects the Strength of Local Sport
A selection process, based on results from World, National, Regional, Departmental, League, and Academy championships, was used to determine the award recipients.
This year, the city awarded honors to 96 individual athletes, 30 teams, representing 16 clubs and schools.
The municipality also expressed its gratitude to the associations that collaborate throughout the year to organize municipal sporting events, contributing to their success.
“Commune Sport pour Tous – 5 étoiles” Label Renewed for 2025-2028
The label was officially presented to the city by Monsieur Mandin, confirming the municipality’s ongoing commitment to accessible sports for all.
“Commune Sport pour Tous” Label: Rigorous Criteria for Universal Access
The renewal of the “Commune Sport pour Tous – 5 étoiles” label is based on five key eligibility criteria, reflecting the city’s comprehensive commitment to sport for all:
1. One-Off “Sport for All” Events
Regular organization of sporting events open to all, promoting discovery of physical and sporting activities.
Bay crossings on July 14th and August 15th. The walk for all. The Luzian races: a road race for adults and children’s races. May by bike.
2. Permanent “Sport for All” Events
Implementation of sustainable actions and programs allowing regular, accessible, and supervised sports practice.
Donibane multisport program (for children: multi-activities, for adults: gentle gym, coastal walking, walking…). Donibane beach club with swimming lessons. Sports and leisure activities for young people during school holidays.
3. “Sport for All” Educators
Presence of qualified educators, guaranteeing the quality of supervision and the safety of participants.
Territorial educators of Physical and Sports Activities intervene in schools, within Donibane multisport and at the Donibane club. They are also trained P.E.P.S (Physical Exercise Prescription for Health).
4. Specific Actions: Sport, Health and Accessibility
Development of initiatives promoting access to physical activity for health, particularly for populations excluded from sports.
Free access sports facilities: frontons, fitness trail (4 stations), city stadiums, skate park and bike paths. The Donibane multisport program is accredited with the Basque-Adour Sports Health House to welcome people benefiting from exercise on prescription. Handiplage facility (tiralos and audio beach system).
5. Sport and Society
Integration of sport as a tool for social inclusion, citizenship and community living.
Walk for all integrated into Blue Week. Activities within the “Land of Games” label. Beach clean-up days. Sports and sharing day with people with disabilities. Charter of commitment for the organization of eco-responsible events. Dematerialization of association procedures (online directory, subsidies, equipment loan…). “Civic Passport” with a “share the values of sport” component for CM1 students.
