but it's BIG in France

French students bid for world paper plane champs

http://news.yahoo.com/s/afp/20060315/lf_afp/afplifestylepaperplanes_060315144016

MARSEILLE, France (AFP) - Paper planes have soared way beyond the classroom. Now every bored schoolboy's illicit past-time has become a worldwide sport with thousands of fans battling to carry off the championships.


"The secret of a good plane is patience, symmetry and a good eye to feel where you need to fold," said Nicolas Deschamps, an information technology student as he bent studiously over his paper.


The winners will next month travel to the French national championships in Monaco to battle against winners from eight other French cities, hoping to secure a place in the world finals in Salzburg in Austria in mid-May.

Winners from 48 countries will take part in the Salzburg finals.