“Don’t slam yourself!” : in Lot-et-Garonne, a village is organizing its Charentaise throwing competition

This weekend is the summer party in Condezaygues. And this year, in order to stand out from the traditional village festivals that exist in all the villages of the department, the mayor, Eric Grasset, gave carte blanche to Pascal Vinchon, head of the Evenemence 47 agency to find that little extra something, the famous “X factor” in order to stand out from the usual animations.

And we can say that Pascal Vinchon came up with THE right idea: the first competition in the Charentaise throwing department. Explanations. “Before settling in Lot-et-Garonne, I already had my agency in Nièvre. There, I had already organized competitions of this style. When Eric Grasset entrusted me with the organization of the festival, I of course did the classics, parade of majorettes, market of craftsmen, local producers, local catering… Everything that creates the atmosphere of a village festival But I. “I wanted to offer something extra that would set us apart. As I had already organized this Charentaise throwing competition in Nièvre, I proposed it to the town hall. “The agreement was immediate” specifies Eric Grasset. “And it’s even already scheduled for next year, the room is already booked for the summer 2025 party.”

And without kidding, charentaise throwing is a very organized discipline. “There is a national association with which we are going to affiliate for the next competition. Today’s is a trial run. But from next year, members of the association will be present to validate our competition” . And Pascal Vinchon only dreams of one thing. “Why not beat here the record established in Brittany, and entered in the Guinness Book of Records in 2023. A Breton woman had launched her charentaise, with her foot and this is important, at 26.93 meters”.

“I come from rugby, so I do it like I do with a ball?”

Head to the playground, behind the village hall. “It’s still quite codified as a discipline. From the throwing zone, marks are installed every 5 meters, and you have to stay in the zone for the throw to be validated” explains Pascal. “There are 3 classic categories, children, women’s and men’s. And specific sizes of Charentaises: 44 for men, 38 for women and 35 for children. To be entitled to 2 throws, all you need to do is pay one euro. The recipe will be for the parents’ association (APE) Les Pitchouns de Fumel It is the best of the 2 throws which will be taken into account. But if we think we can improve, we will. can try again by going through the checkout again.

Training can begin, and it is Eric Grasset who tries first. He gets into the throwing zone, grabs the charentaise with both hands and gives it a big kick. Laughter bursts out and explanations arrive. “It’s not like that, you have to put it on to send it.” “Yes, but I come from rugby,” jokes the mayor. 2nd attempt and first piece of advice from Pascal. “I’ll give you a little tip. You don’t have to put the entire charentaise on, just put it on up to the kick and throw it as far as possible with a lively throw.

A first down that turns into more of a high throw than a long throw. “It’s not the whole leg that we use, but really the foot and the shin.” We try, we laugh. “Don’t go snapping… Who wants to massage my thigh?”

It’s time for the majorette parade before sitting down to eat. The atmosphere during the afternoon competition promises to be joyful. See you next year.