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Red Beach resident Jay Newton is set to represent New Zealand on the world stage as part of a four person team travelling to France in October for the Women’s World Pétanque Championship.
Jay says her years of French lessons will come in handy in the small north-west city of Doua, where the competition will be staged. Representing Hibiscus Pétanque, Jay will be accompanied by Barb Parnell from Kennedy Park Club, Sharon Cannon from Bayview Club and Yasmin George from Herne Bay Club. Together, they hope to put New Zealand on the pétanque world map, especially as a senior team where every member is over 60 years.
“It will be a fantastic opportunity to learn from the big leagues,” she says.
Although they will be competing against younger players, she says that her team brings “a high level of fitness and experience” to the competition.
Jay is no stranger to showcasing her skills in competition, with some national titles already under her belt, however, this will be her first world championship competition.
Jay first began playing the sport as a hobby, joining along with friends, then gaining a competitive drive the longer she played. Eventually, the competitiveness of the sport only deepened her enjoyment, inspiring her to compete at a national level, and for the past five years she’s represented New Zealand at an international level.
A resident of Hibiscus Coast Village, Jay says the village has offered unwavering support throughout her journey, as well as sponsoring raffles to help her fundraise.
She also has other fundraisers planned closer to her departure for those interested in supporting her journey.
Pétanque originated in France and involves two teams tossing metal balls called boules as close as possible to a small wooden ball called a cochonnet to obtain the most points.
