The global celebration of World Health Day on April 7th shines a spotlight on the transformative influence of sports and physical activity, with a special focus on the initiatives tied to the forthcoming Olympic Games Paris 2024.
Highlighting the remarkable strides made in promoting active and healthy living among French citizens, the International Olympic Committee (IOC) underscores the significance of programs associated with Paris 2024. Foremost among these initiatives is the Olympic and Paralympic Week (SOP), an integral component of the Paris 2024 legacy. Since its inception in 2017, SOP has impacted over five million children and youth across France, promoting physical activity, integrating sports into education, and instilling Olympic values.
SOP’s success is attributed to collaborative efforts between various stakeholders, including the French government, the Paris 2024 Organising Committee, the French National Olympic Committee (CNSOF), the French National Paralympic Committee (CPSF), and school sports federations nationwide. Together, they aim to not only encourage sports participation but also nurture volunteerism and civic engagement among youth.
This year’s SOP took on added significance by celebrating the upcoming Paris 2024 Games and rallying support for athletes in France and around the globe. The launch event, held at the Porte de La Chapelle Arena, saw over 4,000 children in attendance, providing a glimpse into the excitement surrounding the Games.
In parallel with SOP, Paris 2024 introduced “Generation 2024,” a collaborative endeavor between Paris 2024 and the Ministry of National Education and Youth. The initiative seeks to embed sports into the daily routines of young people in France, including the implementation of 30 minutes of daily exercise in elementary schools. Commencing in September 2020, the program aims to equip all 36,500 elementary schools in France with sports kits by June 2024.
An independent study, validated by the World Health Organization (WHO), attests to the positive impact of Generation 2024, with 94% of teachers reporting improvements in children’s well-being. Additionally, the initiative addresses the WHO’s recommendation for 60 minutes of daily physical activity, a benchmark currently unmet by over 80% of young people in France.
Another critical aspect of Generation 2024 is active design, aimed at enhancing physical activity through improved infrastructure planning. This includes the redesign of school playgrounds to encourage mixed-gender exercise, with a successful pilot involving 200 playgrounds set to expand to 1,500 facilities across France in the next three years.
Paris 2024’s commitment to promoting healthier lifestyles resonates with the IOC’s broader mission of leveraging sports as a catalyst for global health. In 2020, the IOC signed a Cooperation Agreement with the WHO, reinforcing their joint efforts to utilize sports for societal betterment. This aligns with the IOC’s Olympism365 strategy, advocating for sports as a key driver of the UN Sustainable Development Goals.
Central to these endeavors is Olympic Day, celebrated annually on June 23rd, to promote sports and physical activity worldwide. The IOC’s “Let’s Move” campaign, launched in partnership with the WHO, underscores the importance of regular physical activity for individuals of all ages. With over 150 National Olympic Committees expected to participate, Olympic Day 2024 promises to inspire millions globally to embrace active lifestyles.
As preparations for the Paris 2024 Games continue, these initiatives exemplify the enduring impact of sports in shaping healthier societies, from kindergarten to university, and ensuring a positive legacy for generations to come.