Astero
Ateak Ireki Postponed
We have been contacted by Dr. Iñaki Goirizelaia regarding this year’s Ateak Ireki Program. Unfortunately, due to the current COVID-19 situation, as well as the economic difficulties that it has created, it has been decided to postpone Ateak Ireki for a year. This new program was an opportunity for youth between the ages of 16-25 to travel to the Basque Country for three weeks to study the language, as well as get better acquainted with the country and culture. In his note, Goirizelaia expressed, “As you may understand, my heart aches to inform you about this decision. Eskerrik asko Argia, zure lana izugarri ona izan da. You did it wonderfully. Mila esker, Philippe for trusting and helping us. Please, extend our gratitude to all the persons who helped us.” The program really took off and filled quickly, in great part due to the work carried out by Argia Beristain our Ateak Ireki liaison. On behalf of everyone at NABO, Eskerrik Asko Argia zure ahal egin guziendako! Let’s hope next year’s program experiences the same enthusiasm from our youth!
Basque Government Grants for Individuals in Dire Need
We were also notified today that the Basque Government’s program for providing grants to individuals abroad in dire need has been approved with a budget of 202,000 Euros. These grants are managed by the individual’s Basque club, and the deadline to apply will be one month from the day after the call’s publication in the Official Bulletin of the Basque Country, which should be in the coming days. Applications must include proof of membership in the Basque community and residence abroad, as well as proof of lack of assets or income indicating dire need. Residence should be in private homes without being part of a group, community or entity that by regulations, or statutes, must provide them help. If you are in need, or if you know someone that could use this help, contact your local Basque club, or the closest club to you, or closest Basque Delegation or the Directorate of the Basque Community Abroad itself (euskaletxeak@euskadi.eus).
Foku Musikala: A New Initiative by NABO Music Director Mikaela Goicoechea
On a much more positive note, this week we are presenting a new NABO project to you, Foku Musikala. Mikaela Goicoechea, our newly-appointed Music Programs Director is working hard with the Euskara Committee and the Udaleku Committee to provide resources drawn from a selected Basque song, recordings, lyric video, instrumental recording, lyrics with English translations and vocabulary list based on the song’s lyrics. The hope is to provide new content weekly to start, and then maybe once or twice a month once we are back to normal. To learn more about the project, watch this promotional video provided by Mikaela. On behalf of everyone at NABO, Mila esker handi bat Mikaelari for your enthusiasm and great work on this project! Biba zu! Check out the first edition here.
2020 NABO Mus Finals and International Mus Tournament
We are also including news from NABO Mus Chair, Pierre Etcharren, regarding International Mus and NABO’s National Tournament. He has been notified that the International Mus Tournament, originally scheduled for October 2020 in Montevideo, Uruguay, has now been postponed to 2021. Since not all NABO clubs have been able to hold their local tournaments, he proposes delaying the NABO Mus Finals until October or November 2020, allowing clubs to reschedule in the fall. The hope is then to hold the NABO Tournament in November, or December of 2020, and allowing the 2020 NABO Champions to attend the 2021 International Mus Tournament as guests with airfare and participant package paid by NABO. He encourages everyone to reschedule as soon as it is safe, and don’t forget to send your tournament results to Etcharren@msn.com. He concludes, “Thank you for your flexibility during these strange times. We hope your families, communities and Euskal Etxeak stay healthy.”
Upcoming Event Cancellations
We have also heard from the Reno Zazpiak Bat Basque Club that it’s Mus Tournament and Potluck, scheduled for this Saturday April 4th has been cancelled, along with the Fresno Basque Club Annual Festival planned for Sunday May 2nd. Seattle Euskal Etxea has also reached out to let us know that its spring dinner and mus tournament have been cancelled. However, they still plan to hold the summer picnic at Lake Sammamish on August 22nd.
Some of these events may be rescheduled for later in the year and we will be sure to let you know if and when they are.
4/2/2020
