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The monument dedicated by his hometown was created by designer, German Wright.  A large crowd attended the inaugural event of the work. Among those attending were local authorities, friends and family members of the soccer player, as well as members of the Itxaropen Basque Club in Saladillo and a large number of neighbors who wanted to accompany their idol, Julio Jorge “El Vasco” Olarticoechea at such a special occasion. 

Saladillo, Argentina. On August 27 the city of Saladillo dedicated a monument to soccer player Julio Olarticoechea, member of the national selection who won the world championship in 1986 in Mexico.  The monument designed by German Wright stands a 6’ 10 meters high and is located on the roundabout on National Route 205 and Avenida Moreno.  As Wright described, “the design fused the blue and white jersey that he used in the 86 Worlds, with the number 16 that he wore on his back, and the silhouette of the world cup.”

In spite of the badk weather, a large group gathered for the ceremony including the club’s board of directors.  Various representatives from different sectors addressed the crowd to pay tribute, including the local Mayor, Jose Luis Salomon, who said that the monument is recognition “not only to his successful sporting career but also to him as a person, his humility, simplicity, sincerity and courage.  It is important to begin to show many those who have done so much for Saladillo with human values. In Saladillo we value those values,” said Solomon.

Olarticoechea also addressed the public and besides thanking everyone for the honor, he also expressed his emotion for having been the subject of such an honor by his hometown.

This year, 2016, marks the 30th anniversary of the Argentine Selection who won the World Cup for the first time as part of the anniversary the members of that team also received several recognitions.  In the case of “El Vasco,” the book entitled The Basque of Saladillo was also presented in June by journalist and soccer commentator Agustín Di Benedetto.