After more than thirty years of unfailing commitment, Claude Azéma is now passing on the baton, leaving behind a deep and lasting mark on the history of the International Federation of Pétanque and Provençal Games. As Secretary General and then President, he devoted most of his life to promoting our sport across all continents, defending its values of conviviality, respect and precision, and flying the flag for pétanque on the international stage. Under his leadership, the F.I.P.J.P. has experienced remarkable growth, increasing the number of world competitions, structuring its organisation and achieving unprecedented recognition within the global sports movement. His dedication, rigour and passion have made him an iconic figure, respected and admired far beyond the playing fields. Today, Gérard Schneider has the honour and responsibility of continuing this work.A man of experience and conviction, he embodies both continuity and renewal. His presidency promises to remain faithful to the spirit instilled by Claude Azéma, but with a resolute focus on the future, seeking to further modernise the federation, strengthen its influence and open up new perspectives for our discipline.
Between gratitude and hope, this handover marks the meeting of two journeys, two generations serving the same passion: that of pétanque.
The F.I.P.J.P. expresses its deep gratitude to Claude Azéma for more than thirty years of loyal service.
It extends its most sincere wishes for success and fulfilment to Gérard Schneider as he continues this wonderful human and sporting adventure.
Introducing Gérard Schneider, new President of the F.I.P.J.P.
We are delighted to introduce Gérard Schneider, newly elected President of the International Federation of Pétanque and Provençal Games. A man of experience and passion, Gérard is a great enthusiast of our sport and an undisputed leading figure in the world of pétanque in Europe and beyond.
For many years, Gérard Schneider has been at the head of the Luxembourg Boules and Pétanque Federation (FLBP), where he serves as president and manager of the boulodrome.
Under his leadership, Luxembourg has seen its infrastructure and influence grow: the national boules court in Belvaux-Metzerlach, managed by the FLBP, has become a major centre for pétanque, both for national and international competitions.
As an active member and President of the European Confederation of Pétanque (CEP), Gérard Schneider played a central role in establishing the CEP's European headquarters in Luxembourg. Thanks to him, the country has become a strategic hub for the European development of pétanque.
He has also worked alongside numerous CEP committees and bodies, promoting better coordination between national federations and strengthening Europe's influence on the international boules scene.
In addition, Gérard Schneider is a member of the Executive Committee (Comex) of the F.I.P.J.P., which gives him an in-depth understanding of global issues in sport and allows him to contribute actively to them.
His recent election to the International Petanque Committee (by a large majority) is testament to the trust placed in him by federations around the world.
With his dual expertise in administration, gained through his long tenure as head of the FLBP, and international affairs, Gérard Schneider is particularly well placed to lead the F.I.P.J.P. towards new challenges. His commitment to developing infrastructure, promoting our sport and structuring competitions is already well recognised.
We are confident that under his presidency, the F.I.P.J.P. will continue to expand, strengthen its governance and refine its overall strategy, while remaining true to the values of transparency, fairness and conviviality that we share.