Three National Tournaments in One Weekend!

The Lamorinda Petanque Club in Lafayette, California, welcomes you to three tournaments all on the weekend of July 25th and 26th!

The National Mixed Doubles on Saturday the 25th, and on Sunday the 26th, the National Men's Doubles and the National Women's doubles!

Set in an old pear orchard on a terrain that flows around trees and boundaries, it offers a weekend of challenge and fun!

And on Saturday evening enjoy a catered BBQ dinner that includes your favorite smoke cooked meats with all the fixin's and all beverages, too!

Read on for the entry forms, meal reservations, and hotel and direction info.

Click on the images to enlarge them.

Any questions, please contact: Mary Albright, or Brian Murphy

Hope to see you there!

The Marseillaise in Canada!

This is the second year of the Canadian version of the Marseillaise! It was a grand success last year, with over 75 teams competing, 4 or 5 from the U.S.

A couple of U.S. teams finished in the money last year owing to them running a couple of consolantes in addition to the Concours. The Concours was won by an excellent Canadian triplette, headed up by Yanick Laulhé, one of the sons of Claude Laulhé, a five time member of Canada's world's team.

This year it is in Longueuil, just next to Montreal, July 16-19.

(click on poster to enlarge)

One can look forward to a very well run event. It is an "open' tournament, anyone can participate. Expect the level of play to be high. A couple of lunches and a dinner are included, as are samples from Ricard of their popular beverage. Oh yes, there is prize money, too!

Website is www.pre-mondial-ricard.com and email is micheltargiroff@hotmail.com

THE HEART OF TEXAS PETANQUE CLUB TOURNAMENT

Hello everyone ,I am proud to say that the first tournament organized by THE HEART OF TEXAS PETANQUE CLUB was won by the club itself and the beautiful cup that Thierry Amisse made will remain as a trophy in Austin, TX where the club resides until it will be put back in competition the next time the club will again organize a tournament

The GOLD: winner representatives of the club were Amine Najah and Arsene Dupin

There is so much to say about today and how organically the tournament came together So the first thing to do is to say Thank you to all of you who came and participated and every one's support whether you were there or not Also, one of the major contributors to a magnificent success today was -the Weather It didn't rain on us during the entire tournament in the mist of every weatherman predicting rain today I think because of the goodness of those smiling faces coming together to one of the greatest games on this planet ,the heavens opened up the sun for us

People came as far as San Antonio 4 teams of great players one of them took SILVER : Michel Costa and Patrick Lanchais and two other members also from The HEART OF TEXAS PETANQUE CLUB Jacques and Spiros Petratos took BRONZE We had 2 great official referees Rick Armstrong and Jerome Potts A+ LOVE Arsene

By Arsene Dupin

Update on Summer Events in Europe

International Events Coordinator, Robert Pierre, also from the venerable FPUSA Southwestern Region, sent us this update (interesting enough to be posted verbatim):

“Luckily enough, a request from John Krauer made me do some research about Zurich. Here is the outcome:

La Pétanque en Suisse : Pas de Grand Prix International de Zurich 2009 !

Posté par jovial5 le 21/4/2009 20:10:00 (240 lectures) Articles du même auteur

Des circonstances indépendantes de sa volonté obligent le Comité d'organisation d'annuler le Grand Prix International de Zurich qui aurait dû se dérouler en août prochain...
La Ville de Zurich entreprend jusqu'en été des travaux de réaménagement dans le parc de la Josefwiese, qui seront achevés dans la seconde moitié de l'été. Comme il n'est pas possible à l'heure actuelle d'évaluer la place et les installations qui seront disponibles alors, le Comité d'organisation du Grand Prix a dû se résoudre à annuler la manifestation cette année.
Nous présentons sincèrement toutes nos excuses aux boulistes de Suisse, France, Allemagne, Autriche, Europe de l'Est, Espagne, Italie, Grande-Bretagne, Israël, Etats-Unis… qui avaient prévu de nous rendre visite cet été.
Il faudra donc patienter jusqu'en août 2010 pour que se déroule la 40e édition du Grand Prix International de Zurich.
D'ici-là, le Comité du GPI ZH vous souhaite une belle saison estivale et se réjouit de vous retrouver nombreux et en pleine forme en 2010 sur les terrains de la Josefwiese à Zurich.
Sportivement vôtre,
Le Comité<...

In short, no Zurich this year.”

Breeding like coat hangers!

Turn your back for a second and another petanque terrain appears, like coat hangers breeding in a closet!




This little beauty of a California terrain is home to the Petaluma Valley Petanque Club.



You can do the same with 80 yards of gravel ( about 6-7 big dump truck loads) and a nice front end loader with a box or blade on the back.

WWCQT Winners in the Paper

The Winners of the WWCQT that will Represent the USA in the upcoming Women World Championship appeared in the Local Sun Sentinel Newspaper.

http://www.sun-sentinel.com/community/news/palmbeach/sfl-flcnspdigestpb0412psapr12,0,4709690.story

Boca petanque star to represent U.S. at world finals

By Cynthia Thuma

SPECIAL CORRESPONDENT

Boca Raton's Marieke Rolland will again be a world traveler later this year.Rolland has been selected to represent the United States for the third time at the Women's Petanque World Championships in Thailand Nov. 13-15.
Petanque is a sport resembling lawn bowling and bocce that's very popular in Europe, South America and Asia, and is rapidly gaining interest elsewhere. Rolland already has competed internationally in Canada and France.In November, she'll be part of a team with Mia Kanazawa and Cynthia Stroud, who also qualified for worlds from the United States National Women's Team and are members of the Maine Petanque Club. The three earned the honor by virtue of their performance April 4-5 at Lawton Chiles Park in Delray Beach.Rolland and her teammates broke from an 11-all tie in the championship match of the qualifier to defeat Diana Jacobs, Sandra Bonneville and Antonia Chavez from the Los Angeles Petanque Club and earn the trip overseas."We were lucky enough to put the last balls in to win 15-11," she said. "It's such a great thing to represent [our country] at an event such as this. People ask for autographs and you feel like such a big shot."Still, Rolland says, she wouldn't mind a bit more support — the kind athletes in some of the better-known sports receive."Our organization [Federation of Petanque USA] gives us our uniforms and some prize money, but they can't do much more," she said. "My teammates are talking about doing bake sales to make extra money for the trip."Rolland, whose husband John started the Boca Petanque 2000 club she competes for and is the former president of the federation, said she is especially happy for her teammates, who battled through considerable adversity to win. Their club is the only petanque club in Maine."We have a lot of members, 50, maybe 55, but they did what they did on their own," she said. "There are not too many people, not too much competition there, but it'll be a big deal when they get home. They'll have champagne all over them."Americans generally do not fare that well on the international stage, leaving U.S. team members feeling a bit like Jamaican bobsledders."Exactly," she said. "That's us in the petanque world, but still, it's the Olympic Games for our sport, with 40 countries represented. It's all red, white and blue for us."

Play Pétanque in Europe This Summer!

Our International Events Coordinator, Robert Pierre, sent an update to the previous post on this subject...

"I've just been informed that Dronero is now "off," since they will host one USA team only this year, but Vienna, Austria, EuroPétanque, Nice, France, and Zurich, Switzerland, are still open. And in case there would be individuals, they still can register with me and I'll see if it is possible to build up teams. Besides, I am always available to join a team if need be. It would really be a pity not to enter one team at the EuroPétanque this year."

So... those of you with the means and skill... why not plan to join the mix in Europe this summer? Contact Robert Pierre at rcpierresq@hotmail.com, today!

Petanque at the Biltmore, FL.

Today was the first Tournament of a series of Tournaments held on every Tuesday Evening at the Beautiful Biltmore Hotel in Coral Gables Fl. right in the center of Miami for the next couple of months. Play will Begin at 6:00 pm until around 8:30 pm.

All Players welcome, New and Experienced, a great way of meeting new friends and have a great time at the same time. Mario Olivieri is organizing the event so it will be running smoothly.

WWCQT - Tournament - Boca Raton, FL.

Boca Petanque Hosted the Women World Championship Qualifier Tournament this past weekend, and it was a Success!

After the Dust settled on the two Hot and Sunny Days even for us Floridians the outcome was as follow:

Gold: Mia Kanazawa, Cynthia Stroud, Marieke Rolland.

Silver: Diana Jacobs, Sandra Bonneville, Antonia Chavez.

Bronze: Narin Garrett, Erin Mc Taggart, Barbara Hall.

Outstanding Competition and Sportsmanship from All Players.

Enjoy the Pictures!!!

http://picasaweb.google.com/Juankydotcom/WWCQT#

SE Regional Mixed Tournaments

SE Regional Mixed Doubles

1--Jackie Plessas, Juan Garcia

2--Monique Gaudet, Claude Lauhle

3--Marieke Rolland , Alex Canesse

SE Regional Mixed Triples

1-- Marieke Rolland, John Rolland , Claude Lauhle

2--Pat Lallinec, Claude Lopez, Gerard Reuther

3--Joe Ella Manalan, Jean Jacques Baudo, Raymond Fulconis

Just a crazy weekend, full day of Rain sometimes very heavy on Saturday and a Hot and Sunny day on Sunday.

SE Singles and Doubles

SE Regional Singles Tournament

1st Gilles Canesse

2nd Juan Garcia

3rd Salem

SE Regional Doubles Tournament

1st Claude Laulhe, Marc Vedrines

2nd Jean Jacques, Pascal Rouillon

3rd Roger Arpaia, Ben Gauthier

Saturday was the day for the Singles Championship, with a total of 15 Players 14 Men and one Petite Woman (Raquel Garcia) but as I said, a good learning experience. This day was perfect weather wise with a Pizza party at the Pavilion at the end of the day with a Raffle and Lots of Prizes with the proceeds to go towards the Juniors for the World Championship.

Sunday morning was a different story since overnight we had a cold front coming in and no one liked the soaking rain that hit us several times during the day.

I have to say something about Marinette, she reminds me of the Wolf dressed as the sweet old Lady from the famous children story. She outpointed me effortlessly on our quarter final match, I as trying hard to make a good point on these difficult Sarasota Courts and she will beat me time and time again without even trying sometimes I thought she was playing with Her Eyes closed.

The Doubles Final ended up being played at the dirt parking lot under the Lights.

No Doubt about it, this was another Successful Petanque Tournament Weekend.

SEE THE PICTURES:

http://picasaweb.google.com/Juankydotcom/SE_Singles

See the world, play petanque!

Our fellow boulistes in Fresno, CA, who make up the fastest growing club in the country, are trying out the idea, as other clubs have, of combining sightseeing in Europe with the opportunity to make new friends with the petanque playing locals in their sister city of Muenster, Germany.

We've all heard that German players are devotees of the game and the Fresnans are hoping to learn a few tricks and perhaps impart some of their own. Maybe they will even get into a few pickup games at their other stops. We look forward to hearing of their experiences in a few months.

Huge petanque tournament in Valleyfield, Quebec

Our good friend and player, Roger Arpaia, of the Boca 2000 club is president this year of the Festival of Petanque of Salaberry de Valleyfield in Quebec, about 50 miles SW of Montreal.

To our amazement, we have learned that there are 72 gravel courts which are the site every year of a nine day series of competitions, 25 July through 2 August.

There are A and B class tournaments to accommodate players of all skill levels and qualifications. No doubt some of the 9 different tournaments are for holders of Canadian federation licenses, but Roger emphasizes their welcome extends to Americans, too, so there will be spots for all entrants. Entry fees and prizes vary according to tournament. Camping is available, too.

This is as close to a "petanque immersion" as one can imagine, don't you think?

Complete information is available on the petanque club's website:
http://www.clubpetanque.suroit.com/

Roger can be contacted for details and questions: rarpaia@hotmail.com

Qualifying Tournament for World Women's Team

Here is the entry form and relevant information for Women's teams interested to compete in the Qualifying Tournament in Boca Raton, Florida, April 4-5, 2009.

Unfortunately, there are as of now no precise dates or city set for the World Championship which is scheduled for September in China. However, all contestants are advised that they must attend the World Championship in China this September if they win the competition. Any questions should be directed to Sport Director, Ed Porto, edporto@sbcglobal.net

(click on image to enlarge)

Nationals - Singles/Mixed Triples

The weekend started with a large group of Petanquers getting together Friday afternoon at the Boca 2000 Petanque Courts for practice. I was a little late since I had to pick up Mamary at the Miami Airport and Erin in the Fort Lauderdale area on my way to Boca Raton but this is what Friends are for.
Saturday morning we all gather for the National Men and Women National Tournaments.
There were a total of 22 Men and 6 Women Ready to Battle with three Boules each. We had Players From Valley of the Moon Petanque Club in Sonoma, Maine Boules Club with a total of six Great Players, the newly organized "New York Petanque Club", Philadelphia and From Seaside, Sarasota, Orlando, Lakeworth, Boca Raton and Miami in Florida.
After the Dust settled the results were as Follow:

Single Women:

1st Mia Kanazawa.
2nd Cynthia Stroud.
3rd Erin Mc Taggart

Single men:

1st Mamary Coulibaly.
2nd Xavier Thibaud.
3rd Roger Arpaia

Mixed Triples:

1st Xavier Thibaud, Jean Pierre Subrenat, Erin McTaggart.
2nd Gloria Bergeron, Aaron Kianofsky, Mamary Coulibaly.
3rd Monique Gaudet, Elie o'hayon, Michel Robichaud.

Special recognition goes to Aaron Kianofsky ( crowd favorite) for his constant Smile and sense of humor PLUS unbelievable Pointing and Shooting and His Partner Gloria Bergeron that won Her first Medal in FPUSA and it had to be 2nd Place in a National Tournament. She also Played like a Pro. Congratulations!.

Click on the Link For the Full Album of Pictures.

http://picasaweb.google.com/Juankydotcom/National_SinglesMixedTriples

National Singles and Mixed Triples

Welcome to some Good Weather and a lot of Competition at the Courts of Boca 2000 Petanque Club in Boca Raton, FL. for The National Men and Women's Singles Tournaments on Saturday February 20th and The National Mixed Triples the Following day on Sunday February 21st.

For a ten Day Weather Forecast of the Area Click on the Link below.

http://www.weather.com/weather/tenday/USFL0040?from=36hr_topnav_undeclared

For Further Information Contact our Boca 2000 Club President:

John Rolland

5788 Wind Drift lane, Boca Raton, Fl 33433

jmrol@comcast.net

Cell: 954-425-2646.

Play in Europe this year!

Our International Events Coordinator, Robert Pierre, gives us an initial list of European tournaments for players to consider entering.

Last year, our players participated in five competitions in various parts of Europe and all report a very positive experience. Nothing improves our game like playing with the best!


These first four so far for this year include some subsidy or grant for rooms and meals to one or more official FPUSA teams. Sounds like fun doesn't it, defending our colors in some wonderful settings and enjoying a free room and/or meals while doing it?

Being selected for an official FPUSA team entails applying to Robert C PIERRE
(RCPIERREsq@hotmail.com)(individuals or complete teams) before the deadline mentioned for each tournament. Selected teams will wear FPUSA colors and will be notified of their selection by the FPUSA Sport Committee within 10 days after the deadline.

Vienna, Austria, June 12th thru 14th, Select Doublettes, accomodation provided for 1, possibly 2 Teams.
Dead line to apply:5/1/09

EuroPétanque, Nice, France, July 17th thru 20th, Select Triplettes, hotel and lunches provided for 2 Teams.
Dead line to apply: 5/29/09


Dronero, northern Italy, July 24th thru 27th, Select Doublettes and Triplettes, full board provided for 2 Teams.
Dead line to apply: 6/5/09

Zurich, Switzerland, August 14th thru 17th (to be confirmed), Select Triplettes and Doublettes, lump sum per player covering 2 hotel nights.
Dead line to apply: 6/26/09
(photos courtesy of Boulistenaute.com)

From the Southwest...

Southern California club member, and global pétanque ambassador, Robert C. Pierre, sends us this news update:

Club members might be interested to participate in a
Four-Day Pétanque and Belote Stay on the Costa Brava in Spain,
a 30 mile drive from the French border, along the Mediterranean coast.

This trip is organized every year by a club based in Nice. It is informal, and everyone is welcome.

This year, two dates are featured:

June 8th thru 12th, and October 12th thru 16th.

Prices include full board at the Tahiti Playa Hotel www.tahitiplaya.com

Pétanque tournaments include, for Men and for Women: singles (limited to 256 men and 64 women on a first registered basis), Doublettes Mêlée, and Select Doublettes. A Triplette Mêlée Générale is also organized, including both Men and Women.

There will be also Belote tournaments.

PRICES:

€ 162 per person based on double rooms.
Add € 48 for a single room.
Kids 2 to 10: 50% discount
Additional nights: € 36; add € 12 for a single room.

Deadline to register:
2/13/09 for June,
7/15/09 for October

Inquiry: RCPIERREsq@hotmail.com

Petanque America OPEN 2009

I talked to Philippe from Petanque America today, to get more Info on the upcoming "Petanque America Tournament" for November 2009.

Nothing is carved in Stone yet since this is only in the developing stages, much planning and organizing in the next couple of months. He mention that He should have more details some time in March.

But for now the Plans are for a Doubles Tournament, Mid November 2009 in Amelia Island ( NE Florida) by Jacksonville. http://www.ameliaisland.com/ , He is expecting over 100 Teams from all over the US and Abroad.

All I can say is that it Sounds like a lot of FUN in a Beautiful setting . Just like in 2003 and 2005 Philippe knows how to Organize a Large Tournament and get all the logistics together for a common GOAL ( Play Petanque and Have a Good Time).

Visit his Blog for some interesting Info http://petanqueamericaopen.blogspot.com/ and leave a comment, let Him know what You think.