On the occasion of World Health Day, observed annually on April 7th, the International Olympic Committee (IOC) commemorated the transformative power of sports and physical activity, particularly highlighting the impact of initiatives linked to the upcoming Olympic Games Paris 2024.
The IOC underscored the significant strides made in promoting active and healthy lifestyles among French citizens through programs associated with Paris 2024. One of the notable initiatives recognized was the Olympic and Paralympic Week (SOP), which has emerged as a cornerstone of the Paris 2024 legacy. Since its inception in 2017, SOP has reached over five million children and young people across France, promoting physical activity, integrating sports into education, and fostering Olympic values among the youth.
Central to SOP’s mission is the collaboration 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. The initiative aims not only to encourage sports participation but also to instill a sense of volunteerism and civic engagement among the youth.
This year’s SOP placed particular emphasis on celebrating the upcoming Paris 2024 Games and rallying support for athletes, both in France and worldwide. More than 4,000 children attended the launch event held at the Porte de La Chapelle Arena, which will host several Olympic and Paralympic events during the Games.
In tandem with SOP, Paris 2024 introduced “Generation 2024,” a collaborative effort between Paris 2024 and the Ministry of National Education and Youth. The initiative seeks to integrate sports into the daily lives of young people in France, including the implementation of 30 minutes of exercise per day in elementary schools. Launched in September 2020, the program is set 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), has affirmed the positive impact of Generation 2024, with 94% of teachers reporting improvements in children’s well-being. Moreover, the initiative addresses the WHO’s recommendation for 60 minutes of daily physical activity, a target currently unmet by over 80% of young people in France.
Another critical component of Generation 2024 is active design, which aims to enhance 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 utilizing sports as a catalyst for healthy living globally. In 2020, the IOC signed a Cooperation Agreement with the WHO, reaffirming their joint efforts to leverage sports for the betterment of society. This aligns with the IOC’s Olympism365 strategy, which advocates for sports as a key driver of the UN Sustainable Development Goals.
An integral part of these efforts is Olympic Day, celebrated annually on June 23rd, to promote sports and physical activity worldwide. The IOC’s “Let’s Move” campaign, launched in conjunction 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.
