Pétanque America Open Slideshow

Finally, here is La Pétanque Marinère's slideshow from the Pétanque America Open which took place on November 14 & 15 in Fernandina Beach, located on Amelia Island, Florida. Philippe Boets, owner of Pétanque America, organised the Open with many enthusiastic and impassioned volunteers helping him along. La Pétanque Marinière was represented by four of it's members who reported to have enjoyed the games and conviviality a great deal. Everyone was so enthused that 8 courts were left as they were to entertain people who want to come to the waterfront and play pétanque. It looks like Fernandina Beach has welcomed pétanque with open arms and that it may be a permanent fixture at the waterfront. Rumor is that another Open may take place next year, and people are already expressing desire to be involved.

We would like to extend our most sincere appreciation to, of course, Philippe, for all the sleepless nights, the countless days of planning, coordinating and endless energy and passion. The wonderfully able and erudite Christophe Chambers for directing the tournament, Mayor Susan Steger of Fernandina Island, François Kloc of the Alliance Française de Jacksonville. To T.J. Seaton, Philippe's adorable girl-friday, to Robert from the New York Pétanque Club for his tireless efforts in turning the parking lot into the pétanque courts, to Monsieur Jacques Pépin and his wonderful wife Gloria, Michel and Lori Nischan of Wesport Connecticut's The Dressing Room. to Pete "da meat" for catering a mouthwatering "welcome-to-amelia-island party", to the Police Auxiliary for providing refreshaments all weekend to thirsty competitors and spectators, to Babe Ruth Baseball for hitting home runs with their hamburgers and hot dogs.
To Niko of Ace Taxi for always being at the ready, with a smile, to pick up someone and take them somewhere at a moment's notice. To Bob Ramshaw General Manager of the Hampton Inn & Suites and all of his wonderful staff for being so accomodating to so many of us. To the staff of the restaurants Le Clos, Karibo, España, Bright Mornings Café, Brett's Waterway and The Palace Saloon for keeping us fed in fine fashion and ALL of those who spent tireless hours and days preparing for the onslaught of so many boulistes.

We would also like to thank the participation of so many enthusiastic players hailing from as far away as Belgium, Germany, St Barts, FWI. Canada, California, Texas, Arizona, Georgia, Connecticut, Massachusetts, New York, Maine. Delaware, Iowa, North and South Carolina, Virginia, Maryland, Pennsylvania and Florida.

Click here to view the slideshow.

Feel free to download copies of any foto. They are all high resolution images.