the essential
After having established a record of 12 years of uninterrupted presence as president of the Aveyron pétanque committee, at the age of 70, the Drulhois is preparing to leave the post. State of mind, feelings, assessment: confessions.
How do you see the future of Aveyron pétanque?
In the short term, the 500 new licenses issued this year make me optimistic. On the other hand, the development of the clubs, on which the departmental committee depends, worries me in the long term. By this I mean that the fewer clubs there are, the more fragile the committee will be. But this question also falls under federal decisions, a parameter that we do not control.
In your opinion, what are the advantages of Aveyron pétanque?
Its function as an intergenerational and mixed sport likely to attract many people. It is also a healthy sport for veterans and complementary for young people. Another advantage is a calendar of competitions, certainly busy, but very varied with championships constantly attracting more participants and the organization in 2025 of fifteen Regionals, or a quarter of those offered in the entire Occitanie region.
And his weaknesses?
The structuring of clubs. Only around twenty out of the 95 in the department are correctly constituted…
What do you think of Gilles Enjalbert, your outgoing deputy vice-president who, as leader of the only candidate list, will succeed you this Saturday?
First of all, he is someone who, having sat on the departmental committee since 2021, knows all the ins and outs. He is also, a valuable thing these days, a proven computer technician. All this makes his candidacy for president logical.
What are its strong points?
A certain authority and the presence of competent people around him.
And his weaknesses?
Not always being accommodating.
What do you think is likely to change with him?
He announced that he would run as a continuation of my presidency, so we will see…
What will be his first and main job?
Restructure the entire steering committee through the allocation of roles and functions and the preparation of the French championships in senior men's doubles and women's one-on-ones scheduled for August 30 and 31, 2025, in Millau.
If you had one piece of advice to give him, what would it be?
Not to get scattered. He who is in charge of the site of the departmental committee, the championships commission, the draws for these same championships and, in Rodez, the corporation will have to make choices. Especially since chairing the Aveyron committee will involve him sitting on the steering committee of the Occitanie region…
