Occident promotes women's sport, sponsoring the Bera-Bera handball club's Irudi eta Eredu programme

"The programme aims to inspire young women through the personal stories of various players in the club."

Occident continues to support women's sport by sponsoring the Irudi eta Eredu programme, promoted by the Bera-Bera women's handball club. In this way, the insurance company continues to pursue its strategy of promoting sport among young athletes. In 2023, Occident also renewed its sponsorship of this club, as a gesture of support for women's sport and the promotion of a healthy lifestyle through exercise.

Irudi eta Eredu is a programme that is part of the activities the San Sebastián club will launch on the occasion of the Women's Handball Queen's Cup, which will be held between 10 and 12 May in Guipúzcoa. The tournament will bring together the 8 best top-flight handball teams, and will provide a scenario where women are in the spotlight and can motivate other athletes and inspire future generations.

In conjunction with this event, the programme will present a series of topical subjects of great interest through the personal stories of five players in the club: Alba Menéndez will reflect on leadership; Elke Karsten, will talk about being a star; Maddi Aalla will explain the importance of mental health; Esther Arrojeria tell us how one can reconcile elite sport and education; and Jude Loidi will talk about the importance of local participation.

As Juan Closa, Managing Director of Occident, said: “With its work, the Bera-Bera women's handball club, which we have been sponsoring for two seasons, is raising the profile of women's sport in the Basque Country. We are aware of this, and it is a great honour for us to offer our support for a project like Irudi eta Eredu, which promotes sport and fosters the values of this team sport.”

Occident, committed to Basque culture and sport

Over the years, Occident has shown its firm commitment to the Basque cultural and sports sector, through numerous programmes to support entities in the region. In 2023, Occident sponsored the exhibition "Gego. Measuring Infinity" at the Guggenheim Museum in Bilbao, of which it is a patron, and backed the "Fair Saturday" movement. In the field of sport, the company renewed its support for the Bilbao-Basket and Miribilla Cycling clubs, and the Bera-Bera sports club women's handball team in San Sebastián. In March Occident sponsored the 35th Occident Bilbao-Bilbao International Cycling Event for All, which attracted over 7,000 participants.