The Dutch Boules Federation celebrated its 50th anniversary in 2022 and was looking for a perfect way to celebrate. From this perspective, Team TOC came up with the idea of bringing the European Petanque Championship to the Netherlands.
From 13 to 17 July, the Parade in 's-Hertogenbosch was dedicated to Petanque. Europe's best players competed for European titles in the categories tête-à-tête (men and women), doubles (men and women) and mix.
Dit konden we niet zonder
Top sport
For the first time, a European Championship of this sport was organised in the Netherlands. A sport popularly known as Jeu de Boules and seen as a camping sport. The aim of this event was to show this top sport, Petanque, to the public and thus improve its image as well as attract more players.
Grand venue
The participating athletes were used to holding their continental tournaments in boulodromes. These are small courts, often on the outskirts of town or sometimes even literally in the car park. With this event in 2022, Team TOC has shown the Netherlands and all foreign federations that it is also possible to organise a European Petanque Championship where the event does the sport justice.
Unique
The Dutch team achieved a unique feat at this World Cup, perhaps due to the extra encouragement. Never before were prizes won in three of the five events. In both mixed doubles and singles men & women, the Netherlands walked away with a bronze medal.
Flag parade
The flag parade and splashing turnout per country was also unique for an European Petanque Championship. Normally, there is a modest opening with a speech. During this EC, Team TOC organised a real flag parade through the centre of 's-Hertogenbosch, ending at the event location. Here, each country was introduced on stage including festive music and fireworks.
''Sophisticated preparation and hard work have resulted in an event I am proud of.''
Lieke Vogels, Chairman, NJBB
Fight against loneliness
A very important part of this event was the social side event. From Team TOC, we focus on creating social impact with every sports event as well. In this case, it was about the fight against loneliness.
Brabantse Boules
Following a trial in 's-Hertogenbosch, the Brabant Boules was organised in the run-up to the event. These were district tournaments in six Brabant municipalities: Roosendaal, Eindhoven, Tilburg, Breda, Helmond and 's-Hertogenbosch. Four to eight free central neighbourhood tournaments were organised in each city. These tournaments aimed both to promote the sport and to get people out of their isolation and into new friendships.
The ultimate finals between the winners of each municipality were played on the eve of the European Petanque Championships at the event location on the Parade in 's-Hertogenbosch. Participants of this side-event programme said they met at least 7 new people, came out of their isolation more and would like to participate in a neighbourhood tournament again.
