The official presentation of the 8th edition of the Tximist Cup, a tournament that has established itself as a benchmark in women’s football at international level, was held today. During the presentation, various personalities highlighted the importance and impact of this event in the promotion of gender equality and the empowerment of women through sport.
Aintzane Encinas, president of the Tximist Foundation and one of the most recognised voices in the field of women’s football, highlighted the value of the tournament, stating that the Tximist Cup generates ‘visibility and references, dreams for the new generations and recognition for the pioneers and legends, who also have a place in the tournament’.
Nerea Isasi, another of the prominent figures at the presentation, reaffirmed the pioneering role of the Tximist Cup in the promotion of women’s sport. Isasi pointed out ‘the enormous importance of this type of high-level event to continue to gain spaces for equality and social transformation through sport’; and added that ‘Tximist Cup is the best example of this, promoting values and empowerment’.
The San Sebastian Councillor for Sports and Healthy Living, Iñaki Gabarain, underlined the importance of women’s sport in the city and how events such as the She Leads congress reinforce this importance. ‘A meeting such as the She Leads congress once again underlines the importance of women’s sport in a city that has women’s sport as one of the main flagships of its sport and the success of its elite women’s teams, which place us at the top of Spanish women’s sport’, Gabarain pointed out.
Marta Pastor, from the Sports Department of the Provincial Council of Gipuzkoa, emphasised the institution’s support for the tournament, highlighting that it has allowed more than 10,000 players from more than 20 countries to compete at international level. ‘The Department of Sports of the Provincial Council of Gipuzkoa supports the Tximist Cup because it is a platform for the promotion of women’s football. It has given more than 10,000 players from more than 20 countries the opportunity to compete on an international level. In addition, this event promotes equal opportunities and the empowerment of girls and women through football,’ said Pastor.
Pastor also highlighted that the Tximist Cup is not just another tournament, but one that fosters togetherness and camaraderie among women from different backgrounds and cultures, creating an atmosphere of respect and inclusion. ‘I can’t forget that the tournament generates an important economic impact; but above all it has made the talent and skills of female footballers visible, challenging stereotypes and inspiring girls to pursue their dreams,’ she concluded.
Lupe Queiruga, deputy mayor of Hondarribia, also spoke about the event, highlighting the welcome and pride the city feels in hosting the tournament. ‘Hondarribia has always welcomed this international tournament with open arms. The fact that Hondarribia is the epicentre of women’s grassroots football worldwide is an honour. Women’s sport has to be celebrated and Hondarribia opens its doors to this event that promotes the visibility of women in sport and attracts a lot of tourism,’ said Queiruga.
Joseba Etxeberria, director of Faka Energía, one of the sponsors of the event, expressed his enthusiasm for supporting this initiative. “We like to support women’s sports and to give light and energy to this event is to be part of the movement and visibility that accompanies these athletes along the way,” declared the company representative.
The Tximist Cup has become a pivotal event for women’s football, not only for the sporting competition, but for its commitment to equality and creating opportunities for women in sport.