The third annual Open International Petanque Tournament opened yesterday. That is pronounced pay-tonk. It is from France so throw a little French accent in the pronunciation. The game is like Bocci with a lot of balls being thrown around but different.
And what a lot of balls! Last year there were 80 two-person teams entered in the competition. This year there are 130 teams. This competition, she grows! (That sounds better with a French accent too). Competitors are coming from 23 states, Europe and even Canada. We have a couple staying at the Addison from California who are in town for the competition.
What is the appeal of this game and why is it growing so? A certain level of skill is required and a bit of agility is needed to play but this is not a full contact game. Anyone can play regardless of age and gender and everybody can have, with practice, a reasonable chance of being competitive. Also, this is one of very few games to which you can wear a beret and nobody will bat an eye.
The practice pits are open year round down in the park by the marina. Grab your balls and head on down there. With a little practice you can represent Fernandina Beach in next year's Open.