Basque pelota form of the word "" which may relate to a hard linen or leather ball filled with "" (fur or hair) or to the Latin words for strike or and is related to the English word "pellet". Today, Basque pelota is played in several countries. In Europe, this sport is concentrated in Spain and France, especially in the Basque Country. The sport is also played in Latin American countries such as Argentina, Chile, Uruguay, and Cuba. Operated as a gaming enterprise called Jai Alai, it is seen in parts of the U.S. such as Florida, Connecticut, Nevada, and Rhode Island.
Spanish Federation of Basque Pelota Spanish Basque Pelota Federation. The first typed of pelota to be included were doubles hand-pelota, "pala", "remonte" and "cesta punta". Provincial federations were set up in Álava, Aragón, Castile, Cataluña, Guipúzcoa, Navarra, Salamanca and Vizcaya. The activities of the Federation were interrupted during the Civil War but were restarted in 1940, when singles hand-pelota and short "pala" categories were introduced. The same year the first top-tier hand-pelota singles championship was organized, resulting in the win of Atano III over Txikito de Iraeta with a final score of 22-8. In 1941 the first top-tier hand-pelota doubles championship was played, resulting in