Pétanque


Le Français au Lycée Churchill avec Monsieur Mike


  Churchill High School has had a club for the sport of Pétanque since 1998.  It is a sport like bocce ball or lawn bowling, but much more flexible and fun.  It uses heavy metal balls in a game which can be described as a cross between marbles and horseshoes.  It is reputed to be the most played sport in France with over 20 million people who play and nearly 400,000 players registered in clubs.

It is easy and fun to play at a decent level, but has the potential to interest players who want to develop skills at a high level.  For instance, skilled players can throw a nearly 2 pound ball (about the size of a baseball) 10 meters on the fly and hit another ball with amazing accuracy.  The record is 992 hits out of 1000 attempts in one hour by Christian Fazzino.  Ooo là là!  What do you suppose the record is for free throws?  Substantially less.


LINK TO VIDEO

Click this link for a brief explanation.

http://link.brightcove.com/services/player/bcpid452319854?bctid=1164702909


Here's a video of a world champion.
 


LINK TO AN "INTERESTING FACTS" PAGE

http://www.ibc-office-petanque.com/en/interesting-facts


VARSITY LETTER

Students can earn a varsity club sport letter for participating.  There is an 8 week season in both fall and spring.  Our league includes only Eugene area high schools, so the overall time commitment for practice, matches, and travel is limited to accommodate students' busy lives as they focus on their academics.

  Practices are Tues and Thurs from 3-4. 

  Matches are Thurs from 4-5:30ish.


COST

The cost to participate is very low at $60.

  Club fee $25 - covers snacks, club patch, FPUSA membership

  Uniform $15 - T-shirt with logo

  Equipment $20 - set of three recreation quality boules

  Please note that coaches are unpaid volunteers. 


EPiC

The high school league has become a member of the national organization of pétanque clubs called the Fédération Pétanque USA (FPUSA).  Our club is called the Eugene Pétanque International Club.  Click the URL below to go to our FPUSA club site.


                                                                                     Eugene Pétanque iClub


PHOTOS

PicasaWeb Slideshow