The Friendship Games

The Friendship Games is the brainchild of Matt Blyton and two of his European boules-playing friends. ‘Let’s have a cross border pétanque competition!’

The first event took place in Germany in the autumn of 2022. Participating were three clubs - one from London, one from Regensburg, and a mixed club from Bratislava, Prague and Ljubljana.  There were two parts to the event: a serious competition (with London victorious by a single point) and a relaxed mixed melee.

Of course, it wasn’t just about pétanque. There was a tour of Regensburg, a beautiful medieval city. Followed by a traditional Bavarian meal. And a weekend of conversation and laughter.

In that last year’s first edition, twelve LPC members responded to the LPC invitation open to all club members, financing their travel to, and hotel stay, Germany.  2023 is the LPC’s turn to host.  Those who travelled to Germany were given first crack at playing in the round robin format return match. The mixed melee – probably in the afternoon on Sunday the 15th of October - is open to all LPC members. 

Thanks to our gracious and generous hosts, the German experience was an unqualified success. Pétanque, a new culture and new friends - who could ask for more?

Watch out for a Friendship Games announcement in 2024 – you might have a chance to go to Slovakia!