The necessary connection between sport and rural development: Some reflections from the Basque case

The aim of this study is to bring to light the relevance of sport for the social and economic development of rural areas, and it focuses on a specific zone, the Basque rural space, which acts as a support of a more wide-ranging and profuse sports activities. For that purpose, there are analyzed the project files linked to sports along the last two rural development programs in the Basque Country (2000-2014) together with other relevant qualitative information. Main findings evidence the diffuse role of sport at the Basque rural development policy despite the progressive social and economic impact of sport projects on these areas. The conclusions reflect the need to include sport as a vector for rural development, particularly on those territories that ensure optimal conditions for sport practice.