On Sunday, the second ever OGC Nice Pétanque Competition took place and raised over 5,000 Euros for the club’s Endowment Fund.

Some 120 trios took place in this warm and welcoming event in the glorious September sunshine. Supporters, partners, former Aiglons (Roger Jouve, Bernard Castellani, Tony Kurbos, Pablito Rodriguez, Malek Cherrad...), youngsters from the academy (Enzo Garrido and Tom Louchet)… All of the members of the wider OGC Nice family were present on the pitches of the Boulodrome Henri Bernard.

At lunchtime, the players were fed and watered by “Lou Bus d’Aqui” and “La Brigade by R“.

Between two competitive games of bowls, former players, Roger Jouve and Tony Kurbos expressed their joy at having the opportunity to participate in this charitable cause and a getting a chance to catch up with former teammates. Although the former is used to being involved in activities with his former club, the latter hasn’t “seen some players in 15-20 years.”

An excellent raffle was also on the cards, with some exceptional prizes: 2019-20 matchday shirts worn and signed by Dante, Hérelle, Burner and Benitez, pairs of boots signed by Dante and Cyprien, gloves signed by Benitez, or even a ball signed by the full squad! 

After the finals, the 16 best trios headed up to the training ground terrace where President Rivère, Malang Sarr and Pierre Lees-Melou were waiting to welcome the victorious triplet for a gala match.

The encounter began in a particularly one-sided manner (10-1), until “Pierre (Lees-Melou), tried to distract the youngest member of the opposing trio (Manuel)” admitted Malang Sarr jokingly. Despite the incredible comeback (10-11), it was Manuel, Vincenzo and Bernard who secured the victory (13-11)!

“The objective of the day was to raise funds for the OGC Nice Endowment Fund which is a cause that is incredibly close to our hearts. Every penny made on the day (more than 5000 Euros) will be given to the Fund. It’s important because lots of people are in difficult situations and this money allows us to lend a helping hand at a time in their lives when they need it”, President Rivère explained.

“A huge thanks to everyone who participated in today but equally to those who organised it.   We realise that the whole of the OGC Nice family is out in force: old, new and everyone who loves OGC Nice. It’s always a huge pleasure to organise these kind of days.  

“The final? We got off to a terrible start, it was bordering on the catastrophic... Then we got back into it, we spoke to them a bit, maybe a bit too much when their thrower was playing (smiles), but it allowed us to get back into the match, to at least lose with some level of dignity, by 13-11.”

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