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A group of French students from Falling Creek Middle School visited Les Boulefrogs’ courts to learn about France’s favorite pastime. Teacher Jane Emrick and nine eighth grade French students were enthusiastically introduced to petanque. They took to the game quickly and enjoyed a quick game on a beautiful morning.
(Photos by Patricia Munford)
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What is the game where a round, baseball-size, metallic ball weighing a pound and a half is thrown at a small target ball and is enjoyed by millions around the world? Yes, it is the wonderful game of French origin called pétanque – and it is played right here in Church Hill, Richmond, VA.
Pétanque is one of Europe’s most popular outdoor games and is a cousin of both horseshoes and of the Italian bowling game called ‘bocce’. Pétanque is played on over 60 countries and its popularity is growing in the USA with 60 clubs throughout the country.
The name pétanque is derived from the French expression pès tancats meaning ‘feet together or more exactly ‘feet anchored’. It was invented in the early 1900s by a café owner in Provence, France to accommodate a French jeu provençal player whose rheumatism prevented him from running before he threw the ball. In the new game, the length of the pitch or field was reduced by roughly half, and a player no longer engaged in a run-up while throwing a ball—he stood, stationary, in a circle.
In early 2005 twelve Church Hill residents responded to an article in the Church Hill Association Newsletter and met in Patrick Henry Park to learn about the game of pétanque. That was just the beginning. Les Boulefrogs of Church Hill Pétanque Club celebrated its tenth anniversary this spring. Looking for a suitable terrain on which to play, the club found that some of the gravel alleys in the area were similar to the terrains in Europe. Pétanque can be played on just about any patch of land that is relatively flat. Through word-of-mouth the club grew in membership and with the support of the Richmond Department of Parks, Recreation and Community Facilities (PRCF) the club members moved out of the alleys and built two courts in Chimborazo Playground. An article in the Richmond Times-Dispatch resulted in more interest in the game, especially by those with a French connection through travel or education. Les Boulefrogs joined the Federation of Pétanque USA (FPUSA) in 2006. The club now has fifty members from 16 to 75 and from all over greater Richmond from Colonial Heights to as far as Fredericksburg.
Pétanque is easy to learn, good naturedly competitive, friendly and social, and fun for ages and physical capabilities. Les Boulefrogs play twice a week at Chimborazo Playground on Thursday evenings (6:00 PM) and Sunday Afternoons (2:00 PM) all year round. We have several picnics throughout the year and a super holiday party. Anyone interested in the game is welcome to come by. We will provide instructions, loaner balls (boules) and lots of encouragement.
This past Sunday, long-time Boulefrogs member Peter Sickinger earned the title of “master pointer” as his boule ‘kissed the pig’ twice in one round! Peter threw consecutive boules that ended up touching the cochonnet aka little-pig. This is like scoring consecutive holes-in-one in golf. Well done, Peter!
Boulefrogs worked on Nov. 3 to clean up the planting beds surrounding the central plaza of the playground. It’s up to those of us who use the playground to keep things looking nice, since the city isn’t responsible for things like that.
Who knew there were roses among those weeds?
Will we take the point?
Where’s the ball going to end up.
Careful aim gets you where you want to be.
Eight new petanque courts have been completed. We are now using the courts and have lots of room for new players. If you are wondering what petanque is all about come to Chimborazo Playground (E. Grace St and 30th St.) Sundays at 2:00 PM or Thursday at 6:00 PM all year round.
Les Boulefrogs Pétanque Club of Virginia 