Pétanque is an ideal physical activity regardless of age, gender, and physical condition. In central Europe, it is still in its beginning stages. However, the national boulodrome has found its home at Tyršovo nábrežie in Petržalka, Bratislava. There, you can find 22 pétanque courts.
Until the end of World War II, this pastime was known and widespread only in the south of France around Marseille. Of course, the name pétanque originates there and is today used internationally for this kind of sport. The World Cup was held last year in Benin, Africa.
Three Decades
The domestication of the Slovak expression suggests that this sport, primarily intended—but certainly not reserved—for bright seniors, is gradually entering the Central European regions. The Petang na Slovensku Facebook page playfully stated that it is a highly addictive game for laid-back people.
The Slovakian Pétanque Federation was established in 1994. In addition to the aforementioned national boulodrome, the most competitive 13 x 3 m courses are located in the capital of Slovakia and its surroundings.
The Sobodrom, a boulodrome in the large backyard of the Secondary Vocational School of Business and Services on Komenského Street in Pezinok, can also rejoice in abundant visitors.
Shaded Park Paths
The advantage of this easygoing and exciting social activity in the fresh air (the interior version seems to be less fun in the hobby concept) is the simplicity of the playground and equipment, any type of flat solid surface (shaded park paths with gravel or hard earth are preferable), and the possibility of changing roles.
The principle of pétanque is simple, but mastering technique and tactics requires drilling. Well, everyone will understand the rules of moving chess pieces or the instructions of hockey coaches if there are plenty of them, especially in May.
Two opponents or a maximum of three-member pétanque teams try to place 7.1 – 8.0 cm and 650 – 800 grams steel boules as close as possible to the jack.
Summer Curling
The target is a 3-centimeter wooden “piglet,” a.k.a. bib. However, you might also hear the original name Cochonnet, i.e., the mentioned piglet. The boules can be placed by moving one’s own or knocking out the opponents. It is not too exaggerated to say that it is the summer sibling of curling. The only exception is that the equipment flies in the air and does not slide on the ice.
You can get a set of eight boules and a bib for as little as 20-25 euros. If observing with the naked eye is insufficient, it does not hurt to equip yourself with a measuring tape. Most of the time, a measuring aid is included in the package.
Numbered Pins
A distant relative of Pétanque is Mölkky from Finland. In this case, based on the traditional fun of Kyykkä from Karelia, it is about throwing a dozen numbered wooden pins as close as possible to each other to achieve the desired score. You may be surprised that even Mölkky has a professional team in Slovakia.
Four Medals
Boccia, one of the Paralympic sports since 1984 and has no equivalent at the standard Olympics, is also based on the historical “throwing” sports principle. This industry provides an opportunity for people with the most severe disabilities, who depend on a mechanical or electric wheelchair, to play sports.
As the name suggests, Boccia originated in Italy and is played with 13 leather balls filled with plastic granules. Six are red, the same number is blue, and the target ball (jack) is distinguished by white. The Slovak national association is based in Lučenec. Slovakia boasts 3-1-0 medals in the “Five Rings” games.
Text: Miki Kočan jr., Photo: René Miko (4), Rollors.com (1)
