Michel Sardou is set to present the prizes this Sunday afternoon at Place Saint-François in Bormes-les-Mimosas, where the first Fernand-Sardou Trophy will take place, a pétanque competition created to honor his father. Fernand Sardou, who died in 1976, was a successful figure in French music and cinema, and also, according to his son, an excellent boules player.
Sardou said he had wanted for years to do something meaningful to preserve his father’s memory, but did not want to organize a photo exhibition or screen old films. The idea for a pétanque tournament came naturally because of Fernand Sardou’s passion for the sport. What began as a small event among friends grew far beyond that initial plan after attracting strong interest.
The municipality of Bormes-les-Mimosas and the local pétanque club, ABB, later took over the organization. They ultimately invited 128 triplettes to compete, turning the event into a major local gathering. According to Jean Max Olivier, president of the ABB, the level of play will be high, with several very strong teams expected to take part.
While the competition will showcase serious talent, the atmosphere is expected to remain celebratory and community-oriented. Organizers describe the tournament as a kind of local version of Marseille’s famous Mondial La Marseillaise à pétanque, but in a more festive setting. The event reflects both a family tribute and a popular sporting occasion, blending remembrance, competition, and local enthusiasm around one of southern France’s most traditional games.
