La boule du desert

Welcome

"La Boule du Desert" was founded in 2003 by Pascal Corchia and a small group of people, who for the sheer love of the game, strove to create our courts here at Civic park center of Palm Desert, to better share the sport and to expose others to a popular French tradition.

Their enthusiasm for a good time promoted what we have today.

As president, I personally extend an invitation to anyone who would like to come and join us.

Gerard Canabou, President L.B.D.D.

Come to see our new Petanque Field

at Palm desert Civic Center Park

EVENTS & NEWS

Hello to all petanqueurs, family and friends

I just got off the phone from talking to SC (he calls me EP) and he’s getting a little tired of all the work involved in preparing all these gifts he must deliver on the 25th... I proposed a little break in the routine and he gladly accepted. He will come incognito (no red suit) and join us on Sunday the 18th in Palm Desert for a little R&R and good food – he would like to enjoy himself and asked not to be disturbed!

So in SC’s presence (shh, don’t tell anyone) on December 18th we will have a holiday get together with lots of food and a mini tournament.

The cost for the tournament is $5.00 and a few prizes will be awarded. Tentatively we will play one game before lunch and two games after lunch, Please be at the park a little before 10 am so that we can organize the games and start playing at 10:30 am at the latest.

We are planning for a pot luck lunch but we ask for a donation of $5.00 per person as well. The club will purchase the meats (prepared by of chefs), Christmas logs, bread, charcoal and other incidentals. Some of the members have already volunteered for Gratin Dauphinois (au gratin potatoes) and salads we could use hors d’oeuvres, vegetable dishes and cheeses. Please bring your preferred beverage and plates and silverware.

A reminder: the renewal annual fees are due in January. Please remember that FPUSA will charge an extra $5.00 For those who renew late (after January 31st), last years fees were $40 for singles, $60 for couples, additional $10 per child. Supporters (belong to another club but want to be member of LBDD as well) pay $20 singles and $30 couples. (Any changes to the fees will be communicated to you). If you enjoy the club and come play with us, we urge you to become members or supporters. I will send you the FPUSA “accident waiver and release of liability” –a requirement that needs a signature, in January on as “as needed basis”.

On behalf of Gerard and the Board, Happy Safe Holidays to all of you.

Elisabeth Peters, Treasurer/Secretary

FALL OPEN PETANQUE TOURNAMENT

SATURDAY & SUNDAY OCTOBER 29/30th

Gerard Canabou, President,

and la Boule du Desert Membership

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Our new FPUSA newsletter is now online. Click here for the latest edition.

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Send E.Mail to : gerardcanabou@earthlink.net

Club E.Mail : labouledudesert

Petanque Worldwide

All 48 countries below are members of the International Petanque Federation. The figures represent the registered (paying) members of each National Federation. It differs from country to country, but we estimate that, overall, only about 5 to 10 % of all regular players are formally registered.

Among adults the ratio women/men in France is about 12/88. In "newer" places, such as Belgium, Germany, Britain and Scandinavia it runs around 30/70, with the Netherlands, one of the fastest growing overall, at close to 40/60. Canada (Quebec) beats everyone in this respect with a 50/50 proportion. Our experience in the U.S., although the membership figures below show 30/70, seems to indicate that in casual tournaments, women and men are about equally represented, which is a great asset for the game's further growth in this country.