As the story goes, Petanque began in "la Ciotat" France in 1910 when
Jules "le noir" was moping at the sight of his friends playing the "Jeu
Provencal". He suffered terrible rheumatism (nowadays more commonly
called Rheumatoid Arthritis) and it was no longer possible for him to
play the "Jeu Provencal" which unlike Petanque requires the players to
take running steps during the act of throwing the boules. During that
fated day, his emotions got the better of him when a competitor's
boules landed at his feet.
Seeing his obvious sadness his friend Ernest Pitiot, who happened to be
the owner of the local bar on the Beraud property, proposed that they
play a "petit jeu" (literally translated to a "small game" of the
version they were playing) and that it would be "ped tanco" which in
Provencal language means feet planted on the ground thus helping his
friend who could not move so much. Extraordinarily, the usual gathered
crowd of onlookers where moved by that kindness and were immediately
taken by this new version of the game. That summer of 1910, Ernest
happily organized the first official Petanque competition and thus was
born a sport that was to steamroll all in its path as well as the Jeu
Provencal, it's own father.
Today as a sport, is second only to soccer in terms of participants and players in France. It is also played the world over and in the United States there are some 22 plus clubs.
La Boule Rose was conceived in the Summer of 2004 as an alternative potential to recruit new players. Although Portland already has an excellent club with dedicated grounds, it is on the East side of the Willamet river. Not particularly far by car, the time and effort required to travel by public transport automatically excludes all but the most ardent and dedicated Petanque players.
A couple of players therefore saw the possibility of attracting new players simply by playing on one of the numerous downtown public parks. The results were almost immediate and soon curious passersby became participants. Today the club has more than 15 members and is growing fast. Application has also been made to the FPUSA for recognition which would allow the members to participate in local, national and even international competition.
La Boule Rose plays on a public park area in Jamison Square which is situated in the Pearl District of Portland. To those that have been to Europe, the terrain is very reminiscent of the many town squares found in many cities in Europe. Surrounded by apartments situated over shops and even a French Restaurant, the terrain is big enough to hold five courts at any one time. There are even small trees (sadly not Platanes or Plane trees) dotted here and there and all that is missing is the Sun and the smell of Pastis to make it original. Who would have believed it?
Play is held twice a week on non raining days, Wednesdays after 4 pm until dark in the Summer, and Saturday mornings from 10:00 am until lunch or later. Play is open to the young, the old and is strictly non-discriminatory.
Non members are always welcome to try out the game and basic instruction is freely given. Please look at the many links available on this website for more information on the game and the rules of play.
There is invariably a spare set of boules available so in essence no equipment is required.
I hope to see you soon,
John Prince
President