Pétanque boules - could it be the Official Sport of Cézembre?

Started by xpb, February 23, 2026, 09:44:01 AM

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xpb

While Futbol Talossan is the sport of the realm (and indeed we have our own Colesseum) it would seem that there should be an official sport of Cézembre

Pétanque (en, fr) boules may fit the bill, and while it originated in the south of France, it has spread worldwide yet would still have local character and could be played on our fine beaches, perhaps on the Colesseum grounds between futbol matches, or with its own dedicated boulodrome.

What are the thoughts of l'Etats or other citizens regarding this - perhaps @þerxh Sant-Enogat knows if pétanque or other sports that are not futbol related are played on our fair isle?

xpb

Petanque and bocce are similar, yet distinct, target-based ball games. Petanque (French) uses small, steel balls thrown while standing stationary, often on gravel. Bocce (Italian) features larger, resin/wood balls rolled on a long, smooth, manicured court. Petanque is "feet together," while Bocce is a "rolling" game.

Balls (Boules): Petanque balls are smaller, made of steel, and hollow. Bocce balls are larger, colored, and made of solid, dense material.

Throwing Style: Petanque uses an underhand toss with a palm-down (backspin) motion. Bocce uses an underhand roll with a palm-up motion.

Stance: Petanque players must keep both feet together inside a small, marked circle. Bocce allows players to step forward and walk during their throw.

Court: Petanque is played on almost any terrain (gravel, dirt, parkland). Bocce requires a dedicated, flat court with wooden sideboards.

Court Size: Petanque courts are generally smaller (approx. 50 feet long) compared to the long lanes of bocce (approx. 90 feet long).

Objective: Both games aim to land closer to a small target ball (cochonnet in petanque, pallino in bocce) than the opponent.

xpb

Possible translations to Talossan (I will be looking for assistance here)

bolă (ball/boule) unsure on how to pluralize

tocă (target/cochonnet/pallino)

camp (court)

castar (toss) sub ma or subma? (underhand) afust (palm)  under (down)

ped (foot plural?) postiun (together)