First Bouler-Bear Midwinter Games in Chicago

[text source from pieces of e-mail/Blog post of Dan Danielson]

You might have thought that our Chicago zero degree weather would stop us from playing this French sport. THINK AGAIN.This weekend the club had it's first "BOULER-BEAR" MIDWINTER GAMES - a rather invigorating and spirited event.Lobbing, rolling, shooting, and tossing steel balls in frigid temps can make a man or woman out of any boy or girl. Although, having the free spirited attitude of a kid helps quite a bit.

Before the games could even begin, much shoveling was needed just to get down to a playable surface... a frozen and fast surface. As soon as the games began, it was very apparent that heavy backspin would be the technique of the day.

We could not have survived without the famous Abramski gas-fueled "BOULE-WARMER". Helpful hint: putting a hot steel boule in your pants pocket makes a very big difference in a player's comfort level. It was also discovered that heating up an extra boule and putting it in your pocket felt really nice. And if you put it in your pants pocket, it felt ESPECIALLY nice.
Lunch at a local, warm restaurant and our PRE-PRE-season club meeting followed the event. A grand time was had by all.

More info on the club website: http://www.chicagopetanque.com/

If you are living and freezing in Chicago, you might as well have fun. Jumping into Lake Michigan in January... is that fun? If it is, you'll love petanque in the winter. Jumping into the lake only lasts a few seconds. We play for HOURS. Now that is fun. Join us again anytime, if you dare.

Dan Danielson

Prez

dan@chicagopetanque.com

Do you think about playing wth the big boys in Europe?

Our International Events Coordinator, Robert Pierre, has compiled a list of tournaments in Europe open to us as FPUSA license holders. As you know, there are also tournaments open to all regardless of federation affiliation, notably the “Marseillaise” held, of course, in Marseille, but here is a more exclusive list for you to consider.

Robert tells us that these are special tournaments because over time the FPUSA has achieved “invitation” status to them, and as such, teams entering represent the FPUSA and that sometimes food, lodging, entry fees, and other expenses are granted to our team(s).

So here we go:

EuroPetanque d´Azur in Nice, France, usually the second or third week end of July (probably July 18 thru 21 in 2008),

Dronero in Italy, the last week end of July (July 25 thru 28 in 2008),

Zurich in Switzerland, mid August, usually the week end after the “Mondial” in Millau, France (2008 date to be confirmed),

Nismes in Belgium, the last week end of August (23/24 in 2008)

In most of the cases, the organizers would expect to have “national teams”, but high level teams are admitted instead, as national teams are not always available. Yet, with the exception of the EuroPetanque d´Azur, wearing a FPUSA jersey is mandatory everywhere, as well as appropriate behavior.




Still reading and curious? Here are some details:


EuroPetanque d´Azur, Nice, France
Select triplettes only, tournament and consolante, both with direct elimination. Max. 512 teams. Also features a women select triplettes with some 64 teams.
Three days starting on a Saturday morning, registration on Friday afternoon.
Invitation includes entry fee for the main tournament, hotel and meals, and an invitation for the dinner and show Gala on Friday evening. FPUSA jersey is not mandatory, yet recommended. Easy access from Nice int’l airport.

Dronero, Italy
The biggest tournament in Italy. Men and women tournaments, at least 10 to 12 countries are represented. Teams must enter a triplette and a doublette selects. Tournament and consolante, both starting in pools. Over 500 teams for men, a little less for women.
Two days, starting on Saturday morning, but participation to the official dinner on Friday evening is mandatory, as international teams are officially introduced. Invitation include entry fees, hotel and meals. FPUSA jersey mandatory. Dronero is only accessible by car. Recommended from Nice, France or Milan, Italy. It is close to Cuneo in northern Italy

Zurich, Switzerland
Extremely high level tournament. In 2007, 14 countries were present, including several national teams (seniors and juniors).
The last two versions have been won by Marco Foyot, several times world Champion. Men and women tournaments, select triplettes and doublettes same as in Dronero. Main tournament and several consolantes, both starting in pools. Over 500 teams for men, a little less for women.
Three days starting on Friday evening with a mandatory melee participation.
Invitation includes a lump sum per team barely covering 30% of the expenses. FPUSA jersey mandatory. Access from Zurich int’l airport.

Nismes, Belgium
Nismes is a very small village near the french border, a 3 hour drive from Brussels, Belgium or from Paris, France.
The local club has 25 licensees, yet, they manage to invite nearly one hundred foreign triplettes, with the sponsorship of the whole village, the population of which more than doubles during this week end. Absolutely amazing.
Select triplettes on Saturday with a main tournament and two cascading consolantes. Starting with pools of 4, 2 wins stay in the main tournament,
2 losses move to the second consolante, 1 win and 1 loss to the first consolante. Select doublettes on Sunday, including over 500 teams in 2007 for men only.
Nismes also features select triplettes and doublettes for women, and a tournament for juniors on Sunday. Participation in a melee on Friday evening is expected, though not mandatory. Invitation includes hotel and meals. Car is mandatory as the hotel could be miles away. FPUSA jersey mandatory.

Application procedure for FPUSA players:
1. In order to represent the FPUSA and be officially invited to these tournaments, it is mandatory to submit either full teams or individual entries.
2. Entries should be sent to Robert Pierre, FPUSA International Program Coordinator, (rcpierresq@hotmail.com) no later than 4/30 for EuroPetanque and Dronero, and no later than 5/31 for Zurich and Nismes.
3. It should be understood that invitations must not be taken for granted and depend on the good will, and the budget, of the organizers.
Entries will be considered in the order they are received.
4. All interested must have been FPUSA licensees for at least 2 years and must be in good standing. All teams will be reviewed by the FPUSA Sport Committee for approval.
5. Teams should include at least one topnotch player (Elite for the french Federation for example), Members of the USA current national teams will be given priority.
6. Players will have to pay for their own equipment (jersey, sweat suit, etc.) and be prepared to bear their own expenses.
(photos courtesy of petanque.org)

SE Mixed Triples Tournament - RESULTS -

The weather did not cooperate on this day due to a cold front that passed by us the night before with some rain and dropping the temperature to low 60's.

We still had lots of fun as always. I was glad to see my friends from South Florida Petanque Club in Lake Worth, FL. here in Boca ( this is good for Petanque ) to have the two Clubs reunite and play together again (Pauline I miss you ). ARMAND LALLINEC, SFPC Club President was present and showing that he is still in top form.

After a very long Day that started at 9:00AM and ended after 5:00PM the results were as follow:

1st Place John Rolland, Ben Gautier and Marieke Rolland

2nd Place Juan Garcia, Mamary Coulibaly and Raquel Garcia

3rd Place Gilles Canesse, Jean Jaques Rouillon and Jackie Plessas

View more Pictures@ http://picasaweb.google.com/Juankydotcom/SEMixedTriples

SE Mixed Triples Tournament

BOCA PETANQUE 2000.

SOUTH EAST MIXED “ TRIPLETTES “

JANUARY 20TH 2008.


INSCRIPTION: $ 20.00 BY PLAYER IF PAID AND RECEIVED BY THE

15TH OF JANUARY 2008, $ 25.00 AFTER THAT.

BRING YOUR LUNCH AND DRINKS.

9: 00 AM: REGISTRATION AND DRAWING OF THE TEAM.

9: 30 AM: STARTING OF THE GAME.

12: 00 PM: LUNCH.

1: 00 PM: CONTINUATION OF THE TOURNAMENT AND POSSIBLY A CONSOLANTE IF THE NUMBER OF TEAMS PERMITTED.

BREAKDOWN OF PRIZES: $ 20.00 INSCRIPTION PER PLAYER.
$ 5.00 FOR FPUSA
-------------------------------
$ 15.00 TOWARD THE PRIZES.
3 FIRST PRIZE PLUS FPUSA MEDALS.

FOR YOUR REGISTRATIONS AND INFORMATION: JOHN ROLLAND, 5788 WIND DRIFT LANE, BOCA RATON, FL 33433. CELL: 954-425-2646.

Too much cold steel? Try this cure!

Now that winter has set in for most of us, one group of players in Southern Oregon has devised a clever way to keep those boules warm all afternoon!

This group calling themselves the "Rogue Booligans" (from the nearby Rogue River) meets in a barn for play and uses this welded up boules holder to keep their points hot and their shots smokin'.

Anyone else have an interesting way of making it feel like summer in the winter?

Joe

Farewell to a Friend

For all of You who knows Him, He touched our Lives one way or another. He is, Freddy Canesse.

Last Sunday Sarasota Petanque Club surprised Kate and Freddy Canesse with a great farewell party ( He is going back to his Hometown in France). We played petanque until dark and not even the cold weather spoiled the fun. Of course, as in all French gatherings, good food and good wine always come together with petanque.

With heavy hearts and teary eyes we wish you the best to the both of you in your new life on the other side of the ocean. May God keep you safe and bring you happiness and prosperity.

You will be Missed! My Friend.

Follow this Link to view more Pictures

http://www.flickr.com/photos/21077734@N03/sets/72157603488539747/

Florida Cup - Results -

All Players were Ready on the Field by 9:00AM Sharp to start The Florida Cup Tournament.There was a total of 14 Teams from Philadelphia, Tallahassee, Sarasota, Boca Raton and Miami.
After Gilles Cannesse the Sarasota Club President talked to everyone and explained the Court Rules the games finally started. The games went on until the final game that was played under the lights in the driveway, and the Results were as Follow.

First Place Roger and John

Second Place Alex and Marieke

Third Place Gilles and Jean Jacques

Fourth Place Loi and Mario

Watch the Pictures:

http://www.flickr.com/photos/21077734@N03/sets/72157603390619416/

Sarasota- Social Tournament - 12/1/07

The weather was just perfect for Petanque this weekend and the Players from all over were all ready on this Pre Florida Cup Day to have some Fun. All the names were gathered and placed in the hat, one Shooter and one Pointer were to be selected. After the Day was over the results were as follow:

First Place - Juan and Big Louis

Second Place - Roger and Ben

Third Place - Alain and Raquel

Fourth Place - Loi and Susan

After the Social Tournament it was time to Eat and have Fun, the Meal was prepared by Cristian Bousquet and served at the Pavilion in the Park. The night was not over yet since we also played some more Petanque at night under the lights in the rock hard dirt driveway leading up to the Pavilion. Playing was Finally over after 11:00 PM.

Here is a Link to the Pictures.

http://www.flickr.com/photos/21077734@N03/sets/72157603390633002/

Florida's Cup Tournament

The Florida Cup Tournament will be held on Sunday December 2, 2007 at 9:00 AM.
The Dinner will be held on Saturday December 1, 2007 as scheduled at 7:00 PM.
There will also be a Social in the park at 1:00 PM on Saturday December 1, 2007, some Players will be at the Park Practicing on Friday afternoon as well.

2007 FLORIDA'S CUP

Event - Florida Cup Double's Tournament

Date - Saturday, Sunday, December 1st and 2nd

Start Time - 9:00 AM Sharp

Place - LAKEVIEW PARK, SARASOTA FL.

Entry Fee per Team - $ 60 per Team

Closing Date - 11/30/2007

Your Payment and completed Entry Form must be Received by the Closing date Above at this Address:
Freddy Canesse, 4433 McIntosh Prk Dr., #507, Sarasota, FL. 34232.
Check or Money Order Payable to: Sarasota Club de Petanque.

• Friday afternoon, the 30th, complimentary Ricard (from the Club) and drawing for the Tournament


• Registration Fee includes a Sandwich and a Drink for Both Days.


• Prizes Minimum $1000


• Awards given out at the end of the Tournament.


• Starting Games 9:00AM Sharp.


• for Additional Info Contact: Freddy (941) 724-1847 or Email chti4433@hotmail.com


• No Late Entry Fee will be Accepted.


• Consolante Sunday will start at 9:00am, Prizes will be announced.

THE WINNERS OF THE FLORIDA'S CUP WILL RECEIVED THE MONEY PRIZE, THE CUP WILL GO TO THE FLORIDA CLUB THE HE OR SHE BELONGS TO, IF NOT BELONGING TO ANY CLUB THE CUP WILL REMAIN WITH THE HOSTING CLUB.

EACH TEAM MUST HAVE AT LEAST ONE PLAYER AFFILIATED TO A FLORIDA CLUB.

SATURDAY EVENING, DINNER AT THE PAVILION UNDER THE STARS, $20 PER PERSON. DINNER WILL START AT 7:00PM. RICARD WILL BE PROVIDED BY THE CLUB. YOUR CHECK MUST INCLUDE HOW MANY PEOPLE ARE COMING TO THE DINNER.

FOR AN ENTRY FORM TO THE TOURNAMENT CONTACT YOUR CLUB PRESIDENT.

Boca 2000 - Le Fitounais Petanque Club

November 17th 2007.

The sky was blue and the palm trees of our beautiful park were the 1st witnesses of the petanque meeting between a French and the American clubs. Although coming from all regions : Cuba, France, USA. ,Canada..., we all understood the same language : Petanque and friendship.
This meeting was the result of a 58 years old friendship between John Rolland, Pres.Boca Petanque 2000 and the VP. of the Fitou Petanque Club, Charley Sabatier whom together with the help of Jean Louis Fabre and Robert Mercadal, on the French side and on our side the Arpaia family created an unforgettable event.
Even though Boca Petanque 2000 is National Champion " Doublettes and Triplettes " that didn't impress the Fitounais club, ( Fitou is a small vineyard village in the Languedoc- roussillon region in the South of France ).Their 21 Petanque aficionados clearly tested our skills in this friendly setting.
We started in the morning in perfect weather conditions: 75 degrees F.
After a fabulous lunch with good wine and entertainment provided by Jeanette to the delight of everybody,
play continued and the exiting 13-12 final was a combination of French and American teams : Finalist, Raquel Garcia and Charley Sabatier, Champions : Claude Ozzanne and Gerard Galiano.
This whole day was a great success, the weather was still fantastic, but unfortunately we had to say goodbye to our French friends.
A big "thank you" to our volunteers.

Soon a French web-site about this event will be available

View lots of Pictures @ the Link Below.

http://www.flickr.com/photos/21077734@N03/

SE Regional Tournaments - RESULTS -

SE Doubles


1st Place Roger Arpaia and John Rolland

2nd Place Alex Cannesse and Mario Olivieri

3rd Place Marc Mailloux and Aaron Kianofsky

4th Place Raymond (Boom Boom) and Michel Couziac










SE Triples

1st Place Christian Cazenave, Juan Garcia and Mario Olivieri

2nd Place Laurant Di Meglio, Ben Gautier and Daniel Walsh

3rd Place Guy Labourie, Raymond Maestri and Michel Couziac

4th Place Roger Arpaia, John Rolland and Marc Vedrin

"BOCA" OPEN DOUBLES TOURNAMENT

BOCA PETANQUE 2000.
16700 JOG ROAD.

“ DOUBLETTES “ OPEN.

_ SATURDAY THE 17TH OF NOVEMBER 2007.

Boca Petanque 2000 club is receiving our the sister club from France, Le Fitounais Petanque Club ( Languedoc-Roussillon ) for a friendly “ doublettes “ tournament.

- 9:00AM: Inscription, $ 10.00 per player including lunch, bring your favorite drink.
-
- 9:15 AM : Drawing of the teams.
-
- 9:30 AM: Welcome ceremony.
-
- 9:45 AM: The tournament starts.


_- FRIDAY THE 16 TH OF NOVEMBER 2007.


- 3:00 PM: Practice and meet our French guests, “ amicale” petanque.

- 5:00 PM : Boca Petanque 2000 is offering PASTIS and nibbles.

- 7: 00 PM: Full course dinner at a famous Boca Raton restaurant, $ 35.00
including : tax and tip, drinks are available on a cash basis.
Besides our French guests a total of 25 seats are available,
Make early reservations.

FOR INFORMATION AND RESERVATIONS, CALL :

JOHN ROLLAND,
CELL: 954 -425- 2646.
5788 WIND DRIFT LANE, BOCA RATON, FL 33433.

Regional “ doublettes and triplettes” November 10th and 11th 2007

SE Regional Tournaments - BOCA RATON, FL.

BOCA PETANQUE 2000.

16700 JOG ROAD, ( ACROSS FROM THE MORIKAMI PARK )



FPUSA REGIONAL PETANQUE TOURNAMENT.
“DOUBLETTES AND TRIPLETTES “

SATURDAY ENTRY FEE : $ 25.00 PER PLAYER INCLUDING LUNCH, IF THE REGISTRATION IS RECEIVED PRIOR TO NOVEMBER 3RD ; $ 20.00
SUNDAY ENTRY FEE: $ 25.00 PER PLAYER . $20.00 IF THE REGISTRATION IS RECEIVED PRIOR TO NOVEMBER 3 RD. LUNCH AVAILABLE COURT SIDE.

PRIZE MONEY, WILL DEPEND ON HOW MANY TEAMS WILL REGISTER, 4 PRIZES AND FPUSA MEDALS FOR THE 3 FINALIST.



SATURDAY NOVEMBER 10TH, REGIONAL “ DOUBLETTES “.

--- TEAMS REGISTRATION ON OR BEFORE 9 AM.
--- 9 AM DRAWING OF THE TEAMS.
---9.15 AM PLAY STARTS.

SUNDAY NOVEMBER 11TH . REGIONAL “ TRIPLETTES “.

--- TEAMS REGISTRATION ON OR BEFORE 9 AM.
--- 9 AM DRAWING OF THE TEAMS.
--- 9.15 AM PLAY STARTS.


FPUSA LICENSE IS REQUIRED TO PLAY IN BOTH TOURNAMENTS.

FOR REGISTRATION : JOHN ROLLAND, 5788 WIND DRIFT LANE, BOCA RATON FLORIDA 33433 CELL 954-425-2646.

New York Open

Juan Garcia took some great photos at the 2007 New York Petanque Open this past weekend, with the results as follows:

Concours
1st - Hery Rakotoarivony, Xavier Thibaud
2nd - Mamary Couli-Baly, Juan Garcia
3rd - Yacob Nour, Loi Nguyen
4th - Mark Kindschi, Mia Kanazawa





Consolante A
1st - Ziggy Kessouagni, Yves Chenette
2nd - Amadou Thiam, Roger Roy
3rd - PJ Malette, Erin McTaggart
4th - Chester Soliz, Simon Adamsdale

Consolante B
1st - Steve Ginsberg, Peter Crowley
2nd - Eric Bertin, Jeannot Ruperti

SLIDESHOW OF THE OPEN

Paella and Petanque, What a combo!

(August 11 ) Sixty-odd Bay Area FPUSA members and friends gathered at the Valley of the Moon Petanque Club's Maysonnave Memorial Courts in Sonoma for a fundraiser and celebration that was as memorable as it was successful. Most of the Northern California's clubs were represented, along with newcomers from Sonoma County and beyond.

Organized by the VOMPC's Frank Pipal, Ed Porto and Dave Riffo, the event commenced with an afternoon technique clinic taught by that irreplaceable ambassador of petanuqe, Louis Toulon. This was followed by casual pick up games among the festive guests. As late afternoon turned to evening, tapas were served around the courts to everyone's delight, along with a fine selection of Spanish wines which had been donated by Dave.

But the main attraction was yet to come! While people were enjoying their games and imbibing on the delicious snack and refreshments, Frank, Dave and La Petanque Mariniere's Antonio Lofaro were busy preparing two large pans of authentic Spanish paella, accompanied by a tossed green salad and a host of homemade desserts by the event's Chef du Jour, Frank.

By the time the old schoolhouse "dinner bell" was rung, curiosity was getting the best of everyone. People had gathered around the bubbling, food-filled pans, sipping wines, enjoying the boom box medley of music, visiting — or dancing with — old friends and making new acquaintances.

Not a morsel of paellas was left when the raffle was held, won by Christine Cragg of La Petanque Mariniere. After helping themselves to desserts and coffee, the crowd settled back down for the live auction: a beautiful VOMPC carved magnum full of fine Zinfandel wine from Wellington Vineyards. Erin McTaggart, of Valley of the Moon, was the generous winner of the bidding.

Thanks go to Laura Anderson, Carol Davis, Teri Sirico and Gail Yeager for their help before and during the event, and to Gary Heinrichs who ran the very successful raffle ticket sale. Special appreciation goes to Dave Riffo, Peter Wellington and Frank Pipal for their generous donations.The net proceeds to the FPUSA General Fund topped $1,800 — not a bad take for all the fun that was had!

Vive le FPUSA!!


Louis's Technique Clinic

What it's all about!

Having Fun!

La Cucina

Les Chefs
Tout est bon!

Juan Garcia's Slideshow of WCQT 2008 in Portland, Oregon

Photos taken by Juan Garcia (on the right) at the WCQT 2008 event can be enjoyed via slideshow at:

SLIDESHOW

Top FPUSA determined for 44th World Championship in Senegal

The Portland Petanque Club hosted this year's World Championship Qualification Tournament on July 21st & 22nd at Westmoreland Park, Portland, Oregon.

The winners were:

First Place:

Thuan Nguyen, Los Angeles Petanque Club (LAPC);

Christian Triay (LAPC); and

Pascal Corchia, La Boule du Desert (Palm Desert, CA, but he lives in Dallas, TX)

Second Place:
Alec Stone Sweet, La Boule New Yorkaise (LBNY);

Xavier Thibaud (LBNY); and

Nghia Ngo, National Capitol Club de Petanque (Washington, DC, but he lives in Louisiana)

Third Place:
Joe Cortright, Portland Petanque Club (PPC)
Lavant Woolfe, Walla Walla Petanque Club. Walla Walla, Washington
Desmond Grattan, PPC

Fourth Place:
Peter Mathis, Valley of the Moon Petanque Club (VOMPC)
Juan Garcia, Boca Petanque 2000
Mamary Coulibaly, LBNY

Junior World Championship -RESULTS-

Here are the Results of the Junior World Championship in Suwa, Japan.

1. France
2. Spain
3. Italy and Tahiti

Shooting Competition

1. Thailand Sarayoot Master
2. Spain Lorenzo Mendez
3. France Dylan Rocher Sweden Jessica Johansson

Coupe des Nations 2007

1. Denmark
2. Singapour

Semi Finals Canada - Germany

Quarter Finals United States - Vietnam - Estonia - Czech Republic

This Tuesday, the FPUSA Juniors - Hallie Cohen; Wolfgang Kurz; Brendan Cohen; and Patrick Sammons will be departing for Suwa, Japan to compete in the Junior World Championships (July 13 - 15).

The Juniors leave on a high note by winning top prize (out of 18 triples) in San Rafael in a come-from-behind final! They won against a triplette of (what was once...) the best players in the NorthWest region, if not the country!

This skilled group will be competing against Germany; Australia; Belgium; Caeroon; Canada; Denmark; Spain; Estonia; Finland; France; Japan (of course!); Hungary; India; Italy; Laos; Singapore; Sweden; Switzerland; Taiwan; Czech Republic;Thailand; Tunisia; and Vietnam.

The Juniors express their gratitude to FPUSA and its members who have helped to fund this momentous event.

We all eagerly await stories of their victories and adventures.

Good Luck Juniors!

Petanque in Madrid

I just came back from Madrid, Spain visiting Family and the Old Neighborhood and of course sharpening my skills at my favorite Game "Petanque".

At first I was a little disappointed because the Petanque Courts were empty, some older Players that were walking by told me that they stop playing until September since most of them were leaving for the Summer. This is the Picture of the Courts in Ciudad Pegaso 10 minutes away from Barajas Airport where I used to Play.

The solution was to move up to the next Community "Canillejas" a 30 minute minute walk from my In Laws House, now this is a very active Club with 180 Members and a wonderful Clubhouse with 13 Courts with lights and Bathrooms located inside a Park.

The Fun started, they took me in and I made lots of Friends right

away, we would Play in the

afternoon around 5:00PM until 10:00PM every day, that's right! in the Summer it gets dark at 10:15PM

One thing for sure, in these two communities petanque is not what it used to be, you don't see kids playing Petanque any more and right over the fence you could see over 30 of them lined up playing soccer.

Here to the Picture on the right are some of there best players, from right to left Oscar, Pedro and Jose the Taxi Driver, Oscar is the only one that would travel to play in Tournaments. These guys are A1 Pointers and excellent shooters they would make fun of me and say that "here in Spain we hit on the Iron" but a hit is a hit in my book.

I was taking a look at their Bulletin Board about an Open Tournament in two weeks in Zaragoza. http://www.fepetanca.com/abierto2007/ABIERTO2007.htm
The top Prize for First Place is 2000 euros about $2600 and all the way to 16th place 75 Euros but they will have at least over 64 teams.

The Best Petanque Players in Spain are in Barcelona, the South, SE Coast and the Islands, Balearic and Canary Islands.