Ecaussinnes revives traditional ball pelote tournament
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In Ecaussinnes, Belgium, Pierre Rompato, the Sports alderman, organised a ball pelote tournament on October 17th to honour the sport’s heritage and remember Luc Therace, a local figure.
Ball pelote, a traditional game once popular in the region, will return to the Place des Comtes, where it was formerly a central part of community life. Some consider ball pelote a dying sport, struggling to attract younger players and regain its former prominence in Wallonia.
However, Ecaussinnes officials hope the tournament will revitalise interest in the game and allow new generations to experience it. The choice of the Place des Comtes is deliberate, as the square historically hosted ball pelote matches, bringing together players and spectators. The tournament coincides with efforts to have ball pelote recognised as an intangible cultural heritage by UNESCO, acknowledging the cultural significance behind the sport.
The Mémorial Luc Therace will feature matches beginning at 10am, including a veterans’ competition and a main tournament with players from the National 2 and National 3 leagues. Sébastien Deschamps, the mayor, emphasized that cultural heritage includes traditions and sports alongside buildings and monuments. Organisers hope the event will both honour Luc Therace and reintroduce ball pelote to the community, ensuring its continued practice for years to come.
