This time, Didier Jean saw the big picture! Under the leadership of Mayor Henri Pons, and led for logistics by Maryam Barthélémy who was 1989 junior world champion and winner of the Provençal, the president of the Alpilles Boules Eyguières circle unveiled at a press conference the major bowling event which will take place will take place on June 27, 28, 29 in the town.
For three days, Eyguières will become “maboul” with an extraordinary pétanque tournament, which will mark the arrival of eight world champions of the discipline. “The dates were not chosen at random, the personalities responded favorably to our request, because they will then follow with the world La Marseillaise à pétanque. We hope that in the future the meeting ‘Eyguières becomes Maboul’ will endure, and that the village will become an essential stopover on the route to this legendary competition.”, explains the event manager with his company MB Events. The competition will take place in three stages, open to bowlers from the Alpilles and the Salonais region for a cantonal competition, an official mixed triplet competition, a friendly inter-company tournament and an inter-city trophy, then on the last day the trophy of legends of pétanque.
For the latter, each team will be made up of a world pétanque champion, an entrepreneur and a guest. “We are fortunate to have one of the most beautiful bowling alleys in Provence, and this major event will highlight this exceptional site“, says Didier Jean. Among the big names who will tread the ground of the bowling alley and the arenas (second location of the event), the public will be able to applaud the crack pétanque players Quintais and Suchaud, but also Dylan Rocher, Loy, Chagneau, Grandet, Le Boursicaud, or even the Beninese Marcel Gbetable.
From celebrities to arenas
On the people side, the arenas will be transformed into a star track with celebrities from the world of TV, radio, entertainment, sport, with Manuel Amoros, Bernard Casoni, coach Jacques Bayle. Without forgetting the humor with Gilles Bénizio from the comedy duo Shirley and Dino, or Anthony Joubert. After thanking sponsors and partners including the Departmental Council, the first deputy, Sandrine Pozzi, highlighted the benefits for Eyguiéren trade which will generate 30 nights, 200 breakfasts and more than 500 meals served, all concocted by the village’s traders .
Also note that access will be free for spectators, and that a large raffle will take place over the three days, for the benefit of the Le Point Rose association which supports people facing the end of a child’s life. A sporting and festive weekend not to be missed, because what other sport offers the opportunity to meet, or even play with, world champions? None apart from pétanque which we hope to see one day in the Olympic Games.
