From March 31 to April 4, the ninth edition of Olympic and Paralympic Week brought together more than 700,000 students in France and abroad in a national celebration of sport, inclusion and Olympic values. Organized by the French National Olympic and Paralympic Committees (CNOSF and CPSF), this initiative continues the legacy of the Paris 2024 Olympic Games, keeping its impact alive and creating a bridge to the 2030 French Alps Winter Games.
Under the slogan “Cultivating the joy of sport,” more than 2,400 schools participated in a dynamic program designed to encourage physical activity, promote the values of Olympism and Paralympics, and strengthen inclusion through sport.
5 million young people
Since its creation in 2017 by the Paris 2024 Organizing Committee, Olympic and Paralympic Week has reached more than 5 million young people, engaging 12,600 educational institutions and generating 17,500 related projects. This event has become a key platform for promoting physical health, social cohesion and Olympic values.
In this edition, the Generation 2030 program was also presented, which gives continuity to the legacy of Paris 2024. This new label will recognize educational institutions committed to promoting inclusive sports practices and integrating more physical activities into the daily lives of students.
The joy of sport begins in Nice
The city of Nice, one of the main centers of the French Alps 2030 Olympic and Paralympic Winter Games, was the setting for the official launch of SOP 2025. More than 600 students participated in sports activities and celebrations alongside a dozen Olympic and Paralympic athletes, who shared their experiences with the young people.
The opening ceremony was attended by leading figures such as Marie Barsacq, Minister of Sports, Youth and Community Life; Renaud Muselier, President of the Provence-Alpes-Côte d’Azur region; and Edgar Grospiron, President of the French Alps 2030 Organizing Committee.
During the week, 120 athletes, including 2025 ambassadors Manon Apithy-Brunet (fencing) and Arnaud Assoumani (Paralympic athletics), visited schools across the country or participated in virtual meetings. Their active participation reinforced the message that sport is a powerful tool to inspire and unite people.
Towards the French Alps 2030
Looking ahead to the French Alps 2030 Olympic and Paralympic Winter Games, Marie Barsacq visited the bobsleigh track in La Plagne, originally built for the Albertville 1992 Olympic Winter Games. During her visit, she announced the evolution of the Generation 2024 label, which will now become Generation 2030, with the aim of further promoting the Olympic and Paralympic spirit in schools.
New initiatives to promote sport in schools
Announcements made during SOP 2025 included the implementation of a physical fitness test for sixth grade students, improved training for teachers in charge of the 30 minutes of physical activity per day, and a pilot program in several regions to accelerate access to school sports facilities.
