Jesús Fernández was a pivotal figure in Spanish sport, particularly in the promotion of Basque pelota. From 1967 to 1973 Fernández served as the President of the Gipuzkoa Basque Pelota Federation, before serving as the President of the International Federation of Basque Pelota from 1978 to 1994. In 1992 Basque pelota was included as a demonstration sport at the Barcelona Olympics after making its previous appearance at the 1968 Games in Mexico City. For his work in the international growth of the sport Fernández was awarded with the Olympic Order in Silver in 1994.
ESP