Meet Alberto Vez and his hidden talent

Alberto Vez is Head of the Packaging department at our Etxebarri site in Spain. But Packaging is not all that he does. In his spare time, Alberto has managed to become a national champion in Curling!

Curling as a sport began in the 16th Century in Scotland, thanks to its many lakes, that freeze over in the winter, and an abundance of granite – an ideal material for the stones that are used in the game. Now a recognised Olympic sport, Curling is described as a ‘gentleman’s’ sport, and is played with just 2 items: a round stone and a simple brush.

“Curling can be considered almost like a sporting philosophy,” Alberto explains. “It is a friendly game in which a certain etiquette must be observed. The winning team offers a token gift to the losers. Another essential feature of the game is sportsmanship. That’s why practically all curling competitions are played without referees.”

Alberto is a member of the Spanish national team, gold medal holder of the Spanish national Curling championship and current national team coach. Alberto finds there is a strong link between his workplace and the sporting atmosphere you find in Curling. “I have been able to apply many of the sport’s concepts to my work; the way it is conceived, the strategy for competing and the fact that it is a sport involving strong teamwork. I believe it has been very positive in both fields,” he tells us.

Photo: courtesy of the Curling World Championship
Collaboration: Ignacio Ágreda, ArcelorMittal Spain