Three UPrep 6th Graders take a break from their game as Coach Niall looks on

Friday, January 16, twenty-seven 6th Grade students from UPrep piled out of their school bus in Edmonds to experience the essentially French game of petanque. Our student visitors have chosen French as their international language, and instructor Amy Pasterczyk believes that a January experiential introduction to French culture would be incomplete without an afternoon rolling boules in Edmonds. As the students jostled through a quick introduction to the basics (stand in the circle, hold the ball, throw the ball), an experienced team of EPC coaches waited to share their expertise and guide triples teams through a couple of games at the courts. The kids learned quickly, and after two hours they were full of the petanque spirit. The games were competitive and lively, if somewhat unfocused at times. With a warm “Merci!” the kids returned to school, with some talk of establishing a UPrep Petanque Team that will return to test their skills on the Edmonds courts. Thanks to Amy Pasterczyk and all the EPC coaches who turned out to support this educational tradition of the Edmonds Petanque Club.

Michelle’s player displays good form and close focus

Which is closer? This one? No that one. Monte, let’s measure!

Speaking of measuring, on Court 4 coaches Joan and Rich were delivering a clinic

One court over, Joanie and Larry’s teams found themselves in a close match

Sometimes a photo speaks for itself. This was a fun afternoon for everyone.