Sara Díaz Reyes started playing Bola Canaria at the age of eight, and in just a decade, she has made the Spanish National Petanque Team and boasts a spectacular track record
Lanzarote local Sara Díaz Reyes has blazed a trail in petanque, notching up remarkable success in just a decade. She began playing Canarian boules, Bola Canaria, at the tender age of eight and has gone on to sweep up practically all the petanque prizes possible. She was recently voted the best sportswoman on the island. She has even secured sponsorship from Toropetanc and Lanzarote Tourism. “Wherever I compete, I’m known as Canarian Sara, the one from Lanzarote. So, I’m truly proud to wear Manrique’s sun and represent the island.
Sara’s journey began on the boules courts of San Bartolomé, now the Toño Rodríguez Club. Aged ten, she obtained her federation membership and started winning medals as a Junior. After climbing up the ranks to under-23s, she began earning top positions.
Although petanque was proposed as an Olympic or exhibition sport for the Paris 2024 games, it was not included. However, Sara has claimed almost every other title, including Spanish and European champion in women’s doubles, six more continental medals, two silver medals in the Mediterranean Games and fifteen national wins. “The Spanish Olympic Committee (COI) have just awarded me the prestigious Medal of Sporting Merit,” she beams.
While petanque offers the advantage of having no age limit, Sara acknowledges its challenges. “People watch and think it’s a simple game, not realizing how much focus, precision, strategy and strength go into each throw.” Another downside is the financial aspect. Since petanque is not an Olympic sport, prize money is up to 20,000 less, with an individual world champion medal netting only 4,000 euros.”
“Of course, as a semi-professional, I have to juggle the sport with a job and pay for almost everything myself. An avenue I’ve recently opened up is an educational YouTube channel,” says the champion.
