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Petanca tournament in memory of Jim Boocock

"Jim’s Cup". The winning team, Esplanada Es Castell, with Jim’s widow Tracey and daughter Lydia

Alan Bailey Cala en Porter24/01/11 0:00

Jim Boocock, who died in 2010, lived in Cala en Porter for many years. He loved the island and the people. He also loved the game of petanca. He discovered it in the late 90's and suggested that a tournament be included in the Cala en Porter Fiesta in 1998. He organised it and took part, although at that time, he knew little of the rules, nor how to play! But the friendliness of all the players on the island persuaded him that he should start up a club in the village, and this he did, with a group of friends. He then acted as President through the early years of its formation. Club Petanca Cala en Porter is now the largest such organisation on the island with over 50 members.

After his death, from cancer, the committee decided that they would like to gather together all the clubs and celebrate Jim's life, in the way he would have wanted – a game of petanca.

So, on January 8th, all the clubs were invited to come to Cala en Porter to join in playing "Jim's Cup" – an informal, friendly competition. There were 28 players from the local club plus teams from Ses Vinyes, Jubilats San Luis, Esplanada Es Castell, San Joaquín y Santa Ana, and Club Petanca Menorca. The competition was won by Esplanada Es Castell and trophies, which had been given by La Caixa, were presented by Tracey, Jim's widow.

The Club organised a bar and a barbeque, and held a raffle. All the prizes were donated, with the first prize being a ham presented by Esplanada Es Castell. Tracey and the club wanted all profits from the day to go the AECC (the Cancer Charity) and were delighted when, on January 21st they were able to present a cheque for 500 euros to the President of that organisation.

Club Petanca Cala en Porter is very appreciative of all the effort which made such a large donation possible.