Longue paume facts for kids
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Longue paume is an exciting outdoor sport that is an ancestor of modern lawn tennis. It was very popular in France many hundreds of years ago. This sport was even part of the Paris 1900 Summer Olympics. However, some people debate the full value of the medals awarded for longue paume at those Olympics. Today, longue paume is mostly played in the Picardie region of France. The main organization that manages the sport is called the Fédération Française de Longue Paume, and its main office is in Amiens.
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What is Longue Paume?
Longue paume is a traditional French sport played outdoors. It is a type of jeu de paume, which means "palm game." This name comes from how players used to hit the ball with their open hand, or palm. Over time, special gloves and then rackets were used. Longue paume is played on a long, narrow field, which is why it's called "longue" (meaning "long" in French). It's a team sport where players try to hit a ball over a line or into a specific area.
A Look Back: Longue Paume's History
Longue paume has a very long history, going back many centuries. It was one of the most popular sports in France, especially before modern tennis became widespread. People from all walks of life, from kings to commoners, enjoyed playing it. It was a common sight in towns and villages across the country. This game helped lead to the development of other racket sports we know today, like tennis.
Longue Paume at the Olympics
In 1900, Longue paume was included in the Summer Olympics held in Paris. This was a special moment for the sport. However, the 1900 Olympics were a bit different from modern Olympic Games. Some events were more like demonstrations or local competitions. Because of this, there's some discussion about whether the medals given for longue paume at that time should be counted the same as medals from other Olympic sports. Still, it's a cool fact that this ancient game made it to the Olympics!
Where is Longue Paume Played Today?
While longue paume was once played all over France, its popularity has changed over time. Today, it is mainly played in the Picardie region, which is in northern France. It's a regional sport that keeps its traditions alive. The Fédération Française de Longue Paume works to promote the sport and organize competitions. They help make sure that this unique part of French sports history continues to be played and enjoyed by new generations.
Images for kids
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Longue Paume in the 17th century.
