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Puerto Varas, Chile.  Last Saturday, November 2, the XXXVI World Mus Championship concluded in Puerto Varas, organized by the Euzko Etxea in Santiago.  Event coordinators were Juan Carlos Lago Zugadi, Juan Mendiburu Azcarraga and Jorge Oyarzun Kejaya.  The event welcomed 116 people, of which 39 were members of various delegations, between players and delegates, twelve countries participated with their companions.

Choosing Puerto Varas as the tournament site -- the city is located more than 1,000 kilometers south of Santiago, in the Los Lagos region, in the middle of the Chilean Patagonia -- allowed those in attendance to enjoy the impressive natural landscapes.  Activities included: ascending the Osorno Volcano, visits to the Petrohue River, a journey across the Lake of All Saints with a stop in Peulla that allowed participating in various activities like canopy, 4X4 and hiking.  In addition, the participants visited the city of Frutillar where they attended a folkloric exhibition and a ranch where they got to see a Chilean Rodeo and enjoy authentic BBQ.

Camaraderie and healthy competition

Tournament play took place where participants were lodged at the Hotel Solace.  Games took place in the spirit of “great camaraderie and healthy competition,” according to organizers.  First place was awarded to the team from France, Ramuntxo Ondart and Thierry Olaizola, representing the Eskual Etxea of Bordeaux.

[The winning team at the award’s ceremony.  From left to right: Juan Mendiburu (organizer), Ramuntxo Ondart (champion) Juan Carlos Lago (organizer), Thierry Olaizola (champion) and Jorge Oyarzun (organizer) (PhotoSantiagoEE)]

Second place winners were from Mexico with Jesus Barraza and Angel Matienzo (Mexico City Basque club) while third place went to the US team from San Francisco Noel Erdozaincy and Erramun Lahargou.  Maria Jose Lago Etxhart danced the Aurresku in honor of the champions.  Zorionak to all!