This chapter highlights Paris 2024 programmes that leveraged the Olympic and Paralympic Games to promote health, education, and inclusion. It explores how the Games sought to address broader public policy objectives in these areas through a twofold approach. First, the tangible legacy of the Games includes enhanced sports infrastructure, with new and renovated facilities for competitive sports, as well as - importantly - grassroots and community sports across the country. The Paris 2024 Impact and Legacy Strategy also helped advance sports accessibility and inclusivity, while integrating an active design approach aimed at fostering healthier lifestyles and ensuring sustainable urban development. Second, the Games aimed to leave an intangible legacy focused on increasing physical activity levels, particularly among children. This included nationwide initiatives, such as the introduction of 30 minutes of daily physical activity in schools, as well as local projects designed to remove barriers to sports participation in targeted neighbourhoods and population groups.
The Legacy of the Paris 2024 Olympic and Paralympic Games
Abstract
Global sporting events offer a unique platform to advance public health objectives. These large-scale events attract global attention and can inspire widespread participation in physical activities, leading to improved health outcomes. Governments and event organisers can leverage this momentum by launching public health campaigns and promoting active lifestyles through mass participation programmes. For example, initiatives like the “Football for Health” during the 2014 FIFA World Cup in Brazil used football to educate young people on healthy behaviours while engaging them in physical activity. Similarly, legacy programmes from the London 2012 Olympic and Paralympic Games aimed to create long-term health benefits by investing in local sports infrastructure and encouraging everyday exercise. Moreover, by placing sport among government priorities, major sporting events help capture the attention of public decision-makers, thereby facilitating the allocation of dedicated funding.
Global sporting events can foster education and social inclusion. Many programmes associated with global events are designed to reach marginalised groups, using sport as a means to teach life skills, teamwork, and leadership, while also promoting inclusion and equality. For instance, initiatives linked to the UEFA Men’s European Championships 2016 in France and the Commonwealth Games 2014 in Glasgow, United Kingdom, promoted inclusivity by offering free or subsidised access to sports for disadvantaged communities and involving schools in physical education initiatives. These events also provide platforms for education on important social issues, such as gender equality and disability rights, as seen in the International Paralympic Committee’s campaigns to raise awareness about disability inclusion.
To help address insufficient physical activity levels of the population, global event hosts need to recognise the multifaceted barriers that hinder participation. People with lower socioeconomic status often have fewer opportunities for physical activity. They may lack access to safe recreational spaces, fitness facilities, or may have jobs that are physically demanding but do not encourage other forms of physical activity. Parents or caregivers, especially women, may find it difficult to prioritise physical activity due to responsibilities related to childcare or elder care. In many urban and rural areas, there is a lack of infrastructure that supports physical activity, such as parks, walking paths, or bike lanes. Unsafe neighbourhoods, heavy traffic, and poor air quality can also deter outdoor exercise. Increasing urbanisation can also lead to more sedentary behaviours due to long work hours, desk jobs, and reliance on motorised transport. Modern city layouts often prioritise cars over pedestrians and cyclists, making it difficult for people to engage in active transportation like walking or cycling.
Removing these barriers to make physical activity an easier, more accessible, and more integrated part of daily life, requires action from different angles. Instruments would typically include making physical activity more accessible to disadvantaged populations through subsidised programmes, improved urban planning, and community engagement. Improving neighbourhood walkability, quality of parks and playgrounds, and providing adequate active transport infrastructure is also likely to help increase levels of physical activity. Incorporating physical activity into schools and workplaces by creating opportunities for exercise during the day can also be effective. Urban planning needs to take into account the need for active transportation such as walking and cycling. Implementing public health campaigns to raise awareness of the importance of physical activity is also an important part of the answer. The 2018 WHO Global Action Plan on Physical Activity provides a comprehensive framework to make physical activity an integral and accessible part of daily life for all.
However, global event hosts face significant challenges when seeking to advance health, education, and inclusion objectives, as these require long-term planning, multi-stakeholder co-ordination, and sustained impact beyond the event itself. One key challenge is ensuring that initiatives linked to the event lead to lasting benefits rather than short-term interventions that fade once the event concludes. Without clear legacy planning, programmes aimed at improving public health, expanding educational opportunities, or fostering social inclusion risk being underfunded or failing to integrate into broader policy frameworks.
A further challenge lies in coordinating across multiple stakeholders, including governments, event organisers, businesses, NGOs, and local communities. Effective collaboration is critical to aligning event-driven programmes with existing public policies and avoiding fragmented or duplicated efforts. Additionally, measuring the social impact of such initiatives remains complex, as health, education, and inclusion outcomes are less easily quantifiable than economic or environmental indicators. Without robust monitoring and evaluation mechanisms (including ex-ante and ex-post assessments based on control groups, cohort tracking, etc.), it is difficult to demonstrate the effectiveness of these initiatives or secure continued investment.
Accessibility and equity considerations also present obstacles, particularly in ensuring that event benefits reach disadvantaged groups, including people with disabilities, low-income communities, people from immigrant background and those distant from the labour market. Public health risks, ranging from disease transmission to mental health pressures on event workers and volunteers, must also be proactively managed. In parallel, embedding educational components - such as youth engagement and school-based initiatives - requires alignment with national curricula to maximise their sustainability.
To address these challenges, global event hosts should integrate social objectives into early event planning, ensuring that health promotion and inclusion initiatives are part of the core strategy rather than add-ons. Establishing clear legacy frameworks with measurable targets can help track progress and maintain momentum beyond the event’s duration. Strengthening partnerships between event organisers, government agencies, and local actors can enhance co-ordination and ensure that initiatives contribute to existing policy goals. Furthermore, making event infrastructure, programmes, and opportunities fully inclusive is essential to achieving meaningful social impact. By addressing these issues strategically, global events can serve as powerful catalysts for improving health outcomes, and fostering social inclusion, leaving a lasting and positive legacy for host communities.
Continued investment after the event is required to ensure sustained impact. Many global sporting events, such as the Olympic and Paralympic Games, the FIFA World Cup, and tennis tournaments, have implemented and evaluated programmes to promote healthier lifestyles and the benefits of physical activity across the population). Importantly, the evaluations generally indicate that while these programmes can increase physical activity in the short term, sustaining long-term behavioral change often requires continued policy attention, investment and community engagement beyond the event itself.
The ambition of the Paris 2024 legacy strategy encompassed both tangible and intangible legacies. The tangible legacy comprised new sports facilities and the renovation of sports infrastructure across the country, aimed at making sport more inclusive and accessible, enhancing active transport networks, and promoting active design. Paris 2024 also implemented numerous programmes to promote physical activity, combat discrimination, and advance gender equality. This included nationwide flagship initiatives, such as the introduction of 30 minutes of daily physical activity in primary schools, as well as smaller-scale local projects supported in various ways - notably through the Paris 2024 Endowment Fund - to remove barriers to sport participation in target neighbourhoods and population groups. These actions were co-ordinated with, and helped to amplify, existing policies and national priorities (causes nationales).
The Games were also set to contribute to the renewal of Seine-Saint-Denis department. One of the most populous, youngest, and most diverse departments in France, at the same time, Seine-Saint-Denis experiences high poverty and unemployment rates (see Box 3.1). The department also has to address insufficient levels of physical activity across its population including children, with one out of two children not knowing to swim when entering middle school. The new sports facilities such as the Olympic Aquatic Centre, the renewal of community sports infrastructure (e.g. swimming pools and playgrounds), the Generation 2024 projects, the inclusive clubs, and 30 minutes of physical activity in schools initiative (see case studies later in the chapter) have all contributed to the redevelopment of Seine-Saint-Denis.
The Paris 2024 Legacy & Sustainability strategy aimed to benefit the whole of the country, but special attention was given to Seine-Saint-Denis department. The Seine-Saint-Denis department is located in the Grand Paris metropolis in the Île-de-France region. It is home to nearly 1.7 million people (2023 data) and ranks as the 6th most densely populated in France. It also has the youngest population in mainland France, with 35.6% under 25 years-of-age. Seine-Saint-Denis has long been a hub for immigrant populations since the 1960s and 1970s. By 2021, immigrants comprised 31.6% of the population, the highest proportion in mainland France.
Despite its dynamic youth and diversity, Seine-Saint-Denis faces social challenges. Unemployment stood at 10.2% in 2022, ranking 3rd among mainland departments, particularly affecting the underqualified and young graduates. Educational attainment lags behind the national average, with 28.8% of 16-24-year-olds out of school and with few qualifications in 2017. Additionally, the poverty rate is over twice the national average, at 27.9%.
From the bid phase, Paris 2024 prioritised Seine-Saint-Denis not only as a host of a large proportion of the Games competitions and events, but also a priority area for infrastructure investment to support its redevelopment and renewal: the athletes’ and media villages, the Olympic Aquatic Centre, the headquarters of the Paris 2024 Organising Committee. The department was also active in co-designing and implementing numerous Legacy and Sustainability initiatives, aimed at addressing its social challenges and fostering redevelopment.
Source: Interim Evaluation Report on the “Legacy & Sustainability Strategy” of Paris 2024, Strategic Focus “Building the Social and Environmental Legacy of Paris 2024 Games”, November 2023
Tangible legacy - a boost to sports infrastructure across the country
The sports infrastructure legacy of Paris 2024 includes the reconversion of the two new Olympic infrastructure for the public use as well as the improvement of local sports facilities across the country. While Paris 2024 set a target of 95% use of existing sports infrastructure or temporary venues, the investment in new infrastructure was focused strategically to respond to the needs of Seine-Saint-Denis area. The Aquatics Centre in Saint-Denis (along with Climbing Wall in the city of Le Bourget), are the only permanent sports facility built specifically for the Games (see Box 3.2). In a department which lacks sports infrastructure and has low children swimming rates, the Aquatics Centre represents a dedicated sporting legacy for Seine-Saint-Denis and its community. The planning around the construction and the management of the Olympic Aquatic Center by the Greater Paris Metropolitan region was the subject of numerous citizen-consultations aimed at maximising the benefit of this facility for local populations. As a result, all communities that were involved in this project have joined forces to support the candidacy for 2026 European Swimming Championships to take place at the new Aquatic Center. With the same objective of addressing the needs of Seine-Saint-Denis, 18 local swimming pools have been renovated or built in the department in the lead up to the Olympic and Paralympic Games, as part of a broader national plan 5 000 Sports Facilities – Generation 2024 (see below). The improvement of infrastructure was accompanied by awareness-raising initiatives and free or low-cost swimming lessons for children and groups with limited access to sports. The “1, 2, 3, Swim!” programme was launched in summer 2021 by the Paris 2024 Organising Committee, in collaboration with the National Sports Agency, the French Swimming Federation and various local authorities, to promote swimming lessons for all, particularly in areas lacking aquatic facilities.
The Olympic Aquatics Centre - one of the two sports facilities built exclusively for the Paris 2024 Olympic and Paralympic Games – was transformed to serve the residents of Seine-Saint-Denis, a department where one in two children cannot swim when entering middle school.
During the Games, the Centre, located in the vicinity of the Stade de France, hosted diving, water polo, and artistic swimming competitions. From mid-2025, the Centre opened to the public for school sessions, swimming and diving for both sports and leisure. With its 10-lane pool, diving pool, its movable floor, allowing for adjustable depths, and 2 500-seat grandstand, the Centre will also be able to host international competitions, including the 2026 European Swimming Championships. It will also serve as a high-level training centre for French athletes.
The Aquatics Centre was built in an industrial area formerly occupied by Engie (French multinational energy company) research centre and the Landy gas plant, which supplied gas to the Paris region. The Centre stands out with its unique design, showcasing the world’s largest concave timber frame. Designed as a low-carbon facility, the Aquatics Centre is constructed entirely from bio-based materials and features a roof equipped with solar panels, making it one of France’s largest urban solar farms.
The Games boosted the improvement of local sports amenities across the country. For Île-de-France, the Games legacy are the significant pedestrian and cycling amenities, notably the 415 km cycle path network, as well as the possibility to swim at designated sites in the Seine and Marne rivers for the general public starting from 2025. Beyond the Paris region, the Games also led to the renovation of sports infrastructure, including iconic venues such as the Stade Pierre-Mauroy in Lille, which hosted basketball and handball events, and the National Velodrome and BMX Stadium in Saint-Quentin-en-Yvelines, which were used for track cycling and BMX competitions. Across France, through the three-year “5 000 Sports Facilities Plan – Generation 2024” launched in 2023, local sports infrastructure is being improved including the renovation or construction of smaller training facilities such as sports grounds, swimming pools, gymnasiums or sports centres (see Box 3.3).
Announced in 2023, the 5 000 Sports Facilities Plan – Generation 2024 is a three-year programme aimed at creating, renovating, or improving 3 000 local sports facilities, 1 500 active and sports-oriented schoolyards, and 500 structuring facilities. One-third of these projects are located in Urban Priority Areas (Quartiers Prioritaires de la politique de la Ville) – urban areas designated by the government where residents face significant socio-economic challenges, requiring targeted actions to reduce inequalities and improve quality of life. The Plan continues public policies designed to strengthen the connection with schools, such as the 2 hours of sports at middle school and 30 minutes of Physical Activity at primary schools.
A multi-year budget of EUR 300 million over three years has been allocated to the National Sports Agency from national budget to execute this programme. The 2024 budget of almost EUR 92 million included:
1. EUR 49.76 million for local sports facilities, especially near or within schools. Funding is divided almost equally into:
2. National level: For multi-project or multi-regional initiatives led by regions, departments, or national federations approved by the Ministry of Education, Youth, Sports, and the Olympics/Paralympics.
3. Regional/territorial level: For individual or multiple projects within a single region or overseas territory, led by local authorities, sports associations, public universities, or medico-social institutions.
4. EUR 2.5 million for active and sports-oriented schoolyards, including designs for small sports equipment, active design, fitness trails, and obstacle courses.
5. EUR 39.5 million for structuring facilities: This includes constructing or renovating larger facilities and acquiring heavy equipment, prioritising renovations near schools.
Fostering inclusivity and accessibility of sports
Paris 2024 had a strong commitment to integrate accessibility into all aspects of the Games and using the Games as a platform to create transformative change that extends beyond the event itself. Beyond the Paris 2024 Universal Accessibility Strategy (see below), this commitment aimed to broaden opportunities for individuals with disabilities to participate in sports and for spectators with disabilities to access sporting events. It also aimed to influence urban planning and public policy to prioritise inclusivity as well as foster societal change through visibility and engagement during the Games.
Paris 2024 Universal Accessibility Strategy represents a commitment to making the Games fully inclusive for individuals with disabilities, addressing physical, digital, and service-related accessibility. In line with the requirements of the International Paralympic Committee (International Paralympic Committee, 2020[1]), the Paris 2024 Universal Accessibility Strategy, approved in 2021, integrated accessibility into every aspect of the event, from venue design to spectator experience. All competition venues have been developed with features such as ramps, tactile signage, and inclusive seating arrangements, while the Athletes’ Village has been lauded for its 100% accessible housing units. This commitment goes beyond the Games and included a EUR 1.5 billion fund to improve the accessibility of public buildings and transport. Indeed, Paris has been facing the challenge of limited accessibility of its metro system with only some 9% of its stations being wheelchair-accessible (in contrast with some other major cities: 33% of London’s and 98% of Tokyo’s metro stations are accessible) ((n.a.), 2024[2]). This challenge has been partially addressed: 240 train stations and metro stops have been made accessible (work continues beyond 2024 to improve accessibility of remaining stops), along with 100% of buses, inner-city RER (regional express network) stations, and the entire tramway network. Additionally, 1 000 accessible taxis with drop-off and pick-up zones located close to the venues were made available for the Games (Comité d'Organisation Paris 2024, 2024[3]). The accessibility strategy extends beyond infrastructure, with significant investments in training the 45 000 volunteers as well as staff to create a welcoming environment for all.
The 3 000 Inclusive Clubs initiative aimed to make community sports facilities across France more accessible to individuals with disabilities. In a context marked by a significant lack of accessible sports facilities (with only 1.4% of clubs equipped to welcome people with disabilities in 2023), Paris 2024 could not act alone or bring about structural change in terms of accessibility. This progress was made possible through the 5 000 Sports Facilities Plan. Meanwhile, the Inclusive Clubs initiative focused more on training and support, in response to a clear shortage of skills for welcoming people with disabilities (for more information: https://club-inclusif.fr/). Launched in 2022 by the French Paralympic and Sports Committee (CPSF), the Ministry of Sports, the Paris 2024 Organising Committee and local stakeholders, the initiative offered training for club managers and coaches, covering both theoretical and practical aspects of inclusion, with the aim of reaching 3 000 inclusive clubs by the end of 2025. The initiative provides comprehensive training for club leaders and coaches, focusing on both theoretical and practical aspects of inclusivity. The training includes understanding various disabilities, adapting sports practices, and creating an inclusive environment. The programme also facilitates the sharing of resources and experiences among clubs, fostering a supportive network committed to inclusivity. Local authorities play a crucial role by partnering with the CPSF to mobilise clubs within their regions, ensuring that the training sessions are accessible and tailored to local needs. The programme design allows for flexibility, enabling rural areas to collaborate and organise joint training sessions, thereby optimising resources and extending the programme’s reach. While the programme has been widely praised for its comprehensive approach, challenges remained of ensuring consistent implementation across diverse regions and sports disciplines. Nevertheless, the Inclusive Clubs initiative has become one of the key legacy markers of the Paris 2024 Games: it has raised awareness among more than 2 000 sports clubs across 69 departments (Le Comité Paralympique et Sportif Français, 2025[4]). The initiative has been extended until 2027 to amplify its impact.
The Games acted as a catalyst for addressing the sports accessibility and inclusivity needs of Seine-Saint-Denis in particular. Seine-Saint-Denis has historically faced a shortage of sports facilities, with only 16 available per 10 000 inhabitants - three times less than the national average. This scarcity disproportionately affects individuals with disabilities, who often encounter limited opportunities for physical activity due to inadequate infrastructure. The establishment of Le Prisme (Pôle de référence inclusif sportif - inclusive sports reference hub), opened in early 2025, seeks to mitigate these disparities (see Box 3.4).
Le Prisme (Pôle de référence inclusif sportif - inclusive sports reference hub) is an inclusive sports complex in Bobigny city, Seine-Saint-Denis county, one of the counties in France with the most significant shortages in sports facilities. The initial plans for the facility date back to 2010 and the Games acted as a catalyst to the project, opened to public in February 2025.
Le Prisme is designed to accommodate all users, including people with disabilities, and offers spaces for both recreational and competitive sports. It includes a large multi-sports hall, a climbing wall, a dedicated area for Boccia (a precision ball sport for athletes with severe disabilities), and e-sports facilities. Le Prisme also supports high-level athletes with dedicated areas for Paralympic classification, muscle evaluation, and cardio-respiratory testing. Le Prisme is a unique structure in Europe, designed to accommodate all types of disabilities, including mental disabilities. The complex includes calm rooms spread throughout and LED-lit sports areas that highlight only the lines necessary for the current activity, aiding those with cognitive impairments. These features were developed based on feedback from consultations with around 200 organisations, clubs, and associations involved in the project’s design.
In addition to being a space dedicated to the daily practice of sports for residents with disabilities, Le Prisme will also serve as a training centre for professionals on the intersection of sports and disabilities. It will benefit from the proximity of Avicenne Hospital and the Sorbonne Paris Nord University, which trains future doctors and sports professionals.
Source : Le Prisme - J.O.P Paris 2024 en Seine-Saint-Denis (seinesaintdenis.fr); https://www.tourisme93.com/prisme-bobigny.html; https://seinesaintdenis.fr/actualite/sport-loisirs/Le-Prisme-l-heritage-olympique-accessible-a-toutes-et-tous/ ; https://www.lemonde.fr/jeux-paralympiques/article/2024/09/09/malgre-le-projet-prisme-l-acces-aux-equipements-sportifs-pour-un-public-handicape-reste-limite_6308910_6192807.html
Paris 2024 developed solutions to reduce accessibility barriers for spectators with disabilities through new assistive technologies. Paris 2024 highlights that the subject of disability should not only be measured in terms of numbers of people concerned, but in terms of the barriers to be overcome. With around 12 million people with disabilities in France, of which only 6 million self-identify as such, it was difficult to accurately measure how many spectators would need assistive devices during the Games. Paris 2024 put in place technical clauses to select service providers capable of providing innovative technical solutions for people with disabilities and has accelerated the development of technologies such as audio description integrated into mobile phones and touch tablets (see Box 3.5). These efforts were part of a broader strategy to change the perception of disability in society (Secrétariat d'Etat chargé des Personnes handicapées, 2021[5]).
Paris 2024 leveraged the Games as a platform to drive innovation in accessibility technologies, with a particular focus on solutions for individuals with disabilities. A key initiative was the integration of audio-description into a mobile application, allowing visually impaired spectators to experience live sporting events through real-time commentary. This service covered 14 sports, including six Paralympic and nine Olympic disciplines, with plans for expansion to additional sports such as swimming.
To implement this, Paris 2024 established technical requirements in its procurement process, prioritising service accessibility, content quality, and innovation. The selected provider was responsible for producing audio-description content, recruiting and training specialised commentators, and ensuring seamless service delivery throughout the Games. In addition to enhancing accessibility, the project aimed to leave a lasting legacy of innovation, encouraging co-construction with event organisers to develop authentic and inclusive content for future sporting events.
Despite its success, the project faced technical and logistical challenges. Synchronising audio-description with live events required significant investment in research and development, with Paris 2024 collaborating closely with specialised technology providers to ensure seamless integration. A further challenge was raising awareness among spectators with disabilities. Although the service was available at multiple competition venues, many potential users were unaware of it or did not collect the necessary devices on-site, limiting its reach. Legal constraints, such as GDPR regulations, also hindered Paris 2024’s ability to directly identify and inform individuals who could benefit from the service.
The technology is now available for future events. Moreover, it is becoming another example of how technologies developed for people with disabilities can benefit all users - similar to how voice assistants, initially designed for visually impaired individuals, are now widely used.
Beyond sports infrastructure - promoting physical activity for all
From the outset, promoting health and inclusion through the Olympic and Paralympic Games was at the heart of Paris 2024 candidacy and legacy strategy. The Games were placed in the broader context of addressing the health and physical activity challenges in France where 95% of adults face health risks from physical inactivity or excessive sedentary behaviour, and 87% of youth aged 11-17 are active less than one hour per day; among children aged 6-10, 37% fail to meet daily activity recommendations, increasing to 73% among those aged 11-17; and, alarmingly, 18% of French teenagers were overweight or obese as of 2017 (Pluricité; CDES; agencephare; ipama; SPORT 1.5, 2023[6]).
Paris 2024 has set wide-ranging targets to increase levels of physical activity and strengthen the place of sport in daily lives for all. The vision was centered on the development of sporting practices everywhere, for all and at all ages of life, engaging numerous public policies: sport and education, sport and health, sport and employment, sport and disability, sport and culture, fight against discrimination and abuses in sport.
These objectives were based on the recognised health and economic benefits of physical activity. Numerous studies demonstrate that regular exercise reduces the risk of cardiovascular disease, depression, and anxiety and is more effective than medication in preventing the progression from prediabetes to type 2 diabetes. It is also linked to a lower risk of cancer, increased life expectancy, and reduced cognitive decline. Moreover, a 2023 OECD and WHO Europe study estimated that increasing physical activity levels could extend life expectancy for insufficiently active individuals by 7.5 months, prevent over 10 000 premature deaths annually, and generate EUR PPP 8 billion in savings for EU Member States each year (OECD/WHO, 2023[7]).
However, levels of physical activity of the population remain insufficient in many countries, including France. The World Health Organisation recommends that adults perform at least 150 minutes of moderate-intensity aerobic physical activity, or at least 75 minutes of physical activity per week, and limit the amount of time spent being sedentary (OECD/WHO, 2023[7]). Across the OECD 32 countries, on average, 40% of the population aged 18 years and over report meeting these criteria. However, in 20 OECD countries the shares of the population practicing at least 75 minutes of sport are (significantly) less than 40% (Figure 3.1) (OECD, 2023[8]). Few adolescents meet WHO recommended activity levels. In particular, France (as well as Italy and Portugal) reports some of the lowest levels of physical activity among adolescents, with girls having the lowest level of physical activity across EU member states (OECD/WHO, 2023[7]).
2019 (or nearest year)
Source: (OECD/WHO, 2023[7])
Paris 2024 efforts were part of a broader National Sport-Health Strategy 2019–2024, a collaborative initiative between the Ministry of Sports and the Ministry of Health. This strategy aimed to enhance public health by promoting daily physical and sports activities for everyone, regardless of age or health status. It sought to combat sedentary lifestyles and associated chronic diseases by encouraging active living across all communities and integrating physical activity into health and well-being policies. France has also introduced “sport on prescription” (sport sur ordonnance), where physicians prescribe adapted physical activity for therapeutic purposes. These prescriptions can help cover the costs of training under qualified coaches affiliated with national sports federations, thereby integrating physical activity into medical treatment and rehabilitation plans.
Active design to promote physical activity
Growing evidence points to a causal link between the built environment and people’s physical activity behaviours, particularly active transportation such as biking and walking. Residents of “walkable” environments - those that are safe and visually appealing - are more likely to engage in active transport and maintain higher levels of physical activity. Compact urban design that prioritises pedestrians is far more effective in promoting physical activity than environments focused on motor vehicles. Active transportation is not solely a personal choice; the way cities are designed and the efficiency of their transport networks play a crucial role in either encouraging or hindering active transport and overall physical activity levels (OECD/WHO, 2023[7]).
Considering extreme weather considerations in urban design can further promote active lifestyles. In hot climates, urban design needs to prioritise shade to facilitate physical activity. Providing ample shaded areas through tree canopies and built structures can significantly reduce perceived temperatures, making outdoor activities more comfortable and safer. Incorporating shaded walkways, parks, and recreational areas encourages walking and cycling, even during hotter periods. In cold climates, urban design needs to address challenges such as low temperatures, snow, and reduced daylight to encourage physical activity. Strategies include creating microclimates that offer shelter from wind and cold, using landscaping and building orientation to maximise sun exposure, and providing amenities like heated shelters and covered walkways to make outdoor spaces more inviting during winter months. Additionally, organising winter activities and festivals can activate public spaces year-round, fostering social interaction and encouraging outdoor activity despite the cold.
In dense urban areas where dedicated sports facilities may be limited maximising underutilised spaces can be useful. School yards and sports facilities, public gardens can provide accessible areas for exercise, especially for children and local communities. Planned urban environments that integrate multifunctional public spaces and prioritise safe, inclusive, and accessible infrastructure can help embed physical activity into daily life, supporting broader health and well-being objectives.
The Paris 2024 Olympic and Paralympic Games have integrated an active design approach within the broader impact and legacy strategy, aiming to foster healthier lifestyles and ensure sustainable urban development. The main components of this approach include:
Promotion of active design playgrounds: Paris 2024 has prioritised the incorporation of active design principles to encourage daily physical activity among residents. This involves the development of active school playgrounds, which are designed to motivate children, including girls, to participate in sports and mixed-gender games. Following a successful pilot in 2023 that renovated 200 school playgrounds with support from the Ministry of Sport and Paris 2024, the initiative plans to transform 1 500 school playgrounds between 2024 and 2026 as part of the government’s “5 000 facilities - Generation 2024” plan (see Box 3.3).
Enhancement of active transportation networks: To facilitate active transportation, Paris 2024 has invested in expanding cycling infrastructure, ensuring that all Olympic venues are accessible by bike. This includes the development of 60 kilometres of bike lanes connecting various venues and the installation of 10 000 temporary bicycle racks during the Games. Additionally, infrastructure projects such as the Dugny footbridge at Le Bourget and the Franc-Moisin footbridge at Saint-Denis have been co-financed to improve connectivity and promote cycling as a mode of transport.
The Games catalysed active design experimentation by cities across France. The case of Saint Dizier, a small town over 200km east of Paris, is an example of implementation of active design principles to combat sedentary lifestyles (see case study later in the chapter). With the support from Paris 2024, the city experimented with a new approach to public space planning promoting cultural and family-oriented pathways within the city. Active design principles were also applied in school settings to transform school spaces into more engaging, interactive environments.
Integrating physical activity into daily routines of all
Introducing 30 minutes of daily physical activity in primary schools was one of the Paris 2024 flagship legacy initiatives. School-based interventions are an important part of policies promoting physical activity. They offer a range of benefits that extend far beyond immediate physical health, impacting mental health, academic performance, social development, and long-term disease prevention. These interventions also lay the foundation for lifelong healthy habits. In France, schools traditionally include regular physical education classes as part of the curriculum; however, these were deemed insufficient to meet the 60 minutes of daily physical activity level recommended by the WHO (only 13% of children aged 6-12 meeting WHO activity guidelines in France). The “30 Minutes of Physical Activity” programme was introduced not only to encourage schools to incorporate an additional 30 minutes of daily exercise into the school routine, but also with an educational purpose: to teach the benefits of physical activity, how to engage in it, and to introduce pupils to a variety of disciplines. The initiative was supported by the provision of an educational equipment kit designed to make use of school playgrounds. This EUR 8.5 million investment enabled all primary schools to be equipped (see detailed case study later in the chapter).
The Generation 2024 initiative was introduced to further promote sports, physical activity and Olympic values among young people. While schools were a central focus, the initiative also involves universities, vocational training centres, and extracurricular organisations, encouraging partnerships with local sports clubs, organising Olympic-themed events, and integrating physical activity into daily routines. By 2024, the programme has accredited some 11 000 schools and institutions (Ministère de l'Éducation Nationale et de la Jeunesse, n.d.[9]), strengthened connections with local sports clubs, and inspired increased participation in sports activities, fostering healthier and more active lifestyles while embedding Olympic ideals in education and broader social contexts (see detailed case study later in the chapter).
The Paris 2024 Endowment Fund was established to support projects with strong social and environmental impact. The Paris 2024 Endowment Fund (Fonds de dotation) was established in 2019 by the Paris 2024 Organising Committee as a first-of-its-kind tool created before the Olympic and Paralympic Games, rather than after (see Box 3.6). Since 2020, the Endowment Fund has supported more than 1 100 projects primarily carried out by associations and benefiting over 4.5 million direct beneficiaries (Comité d'Organisation Paris 2024, 2024[10]). This endowment model is seen as a valuable legacy tool for future international sporting events, demonstrating how sport can serve as a vehicle for broader societal goals. The Endowment Fund continues after the Games to support projects initiated during the event.
The Paris 2024 Endowment Fund (Fonds de dotation) was established in 2019 by the Paris 2024 Organising Committee with a mission to support public interest projects that use physical and sports activities as tools for social impact across France. As part of this mission, it launched the Impact 2024 programme, a call for projects aimed at sports organisations, associations, and local or regional authorities to fund and support innovative initiatives in areas such as health, education, inclusion, equality, the environment, and employment.
Funding model: The Fund offers various levels of financial aid based on the scope of the project:
Local projects can receive between EUR 10 000 and EUR 30 000.
Regional projects can receive EUR 30 001 to EUR 50 000.
National projects receive support exceeding EUR 50 001.
The Fund has been successful in leveraging additional financial resources from public and private partners, multiplying its impact. For every EUR 1 donated by the Fund, EUR 1.87 is raised through co-funding. The Fund has also fostered collaboration between different institutional stakeholders, including sports federations, local authorities, and corporations.
Focus on Seine-Saint-Denis: Seine-Saint-Denis department has seen over EUR 10.67 million in investment, with 227 funded projects. These initiatives are designed to address regional disparities, especially in youth inclusion and sports infrastructure. A focus has been placed on improving public health and creating opportunities for vulnerable populations.
Support for project winners: Beyond financial support, the Paris 2024 Endowment Fund offers training, coaching, and networking opportunities for project leaders, helping them develop skills in areas such as impact assessment, scaling, digital transformation, and partnership building.
Source: Interim Evaluation Report on the “Legacy & Sustainability Strategy” of Paris 2024; May 2024 Sustainability and Legacy Report
Promoting gender equality and fighting against discrimination and violence
Global sporting events are a powerful tool to help promote gender equality and address disadvantage. This can be done by setting parity targets, equal pay objectives, fighting discrimination as well as addressing barriers for girls and women participation in sports and physical activity, beyond the event itself. For example, the Tennis Grand Slams have played a significant role in promoting equal pay for women and men through the Equal Prize Money. Switzerland is using the hosting of the 2025 UEFA Women's Euro to boost female employment in football and double the number of women working in football as coaches, referees and officials (see Box 1.1).
The Paris 2024 Games were the very first to achieve gender parity, the International Olympic Committee having allocated 50% of qualifying places to women and 50% to men. This marked the first time in Olympic history that all sports disciplines - totalling 32 Olympic sports - and over 5 250 quota places were split equally between female and male athletes.
France took the benefit of the Games to introduce a label for major sports events – Label Terrain d’Égalité – to continue to fight against gender discrimination and violence. This French State‑endorsed label was established in 2022 under the Paris 2024 Legacy Strategy. It is awarded to major international sporting events (participation from at least two nations; held in mainland France or overseas) that commit to promoting gender equality and combating all forms of discrimination, sexist and sexual violence, before, during and after the event. Applicants must comply with a 20‑criteria specification evaluated by AFNOR1 Certification, after which an independent commission - including State ministries, national sports bodies, civil society associations, and athletes - examines the evidence and grants the label. The label fosters sustainability in equality-related practices through sponsored initiatives: ensuring parity and diversity among staff and volunteers, implementing training and reporting mechanisms, integrating equality clauses in sponsor and partner contracts, and promoting inclusive efforts publicly through communications and awareness campaigns. Since its inception, France 2023 Rugby World Cup became the first event to be awarded the label, followed by Paris 2024. Inheriting this approach from the Paris 2024 legacy, other major events have since begun applying, signalling a systemic shift in France’s sporting culture.
The Paris 2024 Games implemented a range of complementary initiatives aimed at promoting gender equality, preventing violence, and protecting vulnerable groups. As part of its broader gender‑equality strategy, the Paris 2024 Games rolled out a national anti-prostitution campaign led by France’s Interministerial Mission for the Protection of Women (MIPROF). It encompassed targeted awareness efforts aimed at official delegations and the general public, supported by short‑stay rental platforms and hotels, to communicate the legal prohibition of purchasing sexual services. The IOC and Paris organisers strengthened the “Safe Sport” framework, reinforcing mental‑health provision via dedicated Athlete 365 Mind Zones in the Olympic Village and deploying safeguarding and welfare officers to monitor harassment risks in real time.
This section highlights three Paris 2024 initiatives which leverage sports to promote health, education and inclusion. The first two inter-related initiatives – the introduction of 30 minutes of daily physical activity in schools, and the Generation 2024 label to foster youth engagement in sports through stronger ties between educational institutions and sports clubs – were designed to address the increasing rates of sedentary behaviour and its impact on children’s and young people’s physical and cognitive development and to ease access to sports for young people. The third case study highlights how the Games promoted physical activity and well-being across the country through active design, showcasing the experience of the small city of Saint-Dizier, which embraced and implemented active design principles as part of the Move More in the City programme (Bouger plus en ville) and Land of the Games (Terre de Jeux) label.
Case study: 30 minutes of daily physical activity in primary schools
The Paris 2024 Olympic and Paralympic Games Organising Committee has made promoting physical activity and combating sedentary behaviour, especially among youth, a central focus of its legacy strategy. This was based on the recognition that only 13% of children aged 6 to 12 engage in the minimum 60 minutes of daily physical activity recommended by the WHO. Over the past 40 years, children have experienced a significant decline in health, losing an average of 25% of their cardiovascular capacity. Currently, one in three French children is overweight, and this figure is projected to rise to one in two within the next decade if trends continue (Paris 2024, 2024[11]). Against this background, Paris 2024 promoted the 30 minutes of daily physical activity initiative as a simple way to encourage children to move more and form healthy habits.
Objectives and activities
The development and implementation of the 30 minutes of daily physical activity initiative (30 minutes d’activité physique quotidienne - APQ) under the Paris 2024 legacy programme involved a multi-phased approach, beginning with extensive groundwork in research and pilot testing, followed by nationwide operationalisation (still on-going).
Design phase
The design of the initiative was informed by the scientific concept of “physical literacy,” supported by the research of Lille and Strasbourg Universities. The concept emphasises not just the physical ability to move but also the motivation and understanding needed to sustain lifelong activity. The initiative also built on France’s experience of integrating sports into school curricula. However, unlike structured sports education through obligatory physical and sports education (PSE) classes, the initiative focused on promoting everyday movements that can be easily integrated into school timetables and daily life, while also linking with other areas of learning - aligning with the multi-disciplinary role of primary school teachers.
The 30 minutes initiative was also inspired by several international good practices. For example, the Daily Mile initiative in the UK - a simple, scalable, and effective initiative, introduced in addition to obligatory physical education classes, - has shown significant positive impacts on children’s physical health and mental well-being. The experience of Nordic countries of integrating physical activity throughout the school day has also been considered when designing the 30 minutes initiative (see Box 3.7). Across the Nordic countries, there is a strong emphasis on outdoor learning, where physical activity is not confined to obligatory physical education classes but integrated into other subjects and daily routines. The Nordic curricula generally aim to instil a lifelong love of physical activity. The focus is not only on competitive sports but also on activities that students can continue throughout their lives, such as walking, cycling, swimming, and other forms of exercise.
The Daily Mile, United Kingdom
The Daily Mile, launched in 2012 at St. Ninian’s Primary School in Stirling, Scotland, UK, is a school-based physical activity programme created by headteacher Elaine Wyllie to address declining fitness levels among students. This simple yet effective initiative encourages children to spend 15 minutes daily running, jogging, or walking approximately one mile (1.5 km) on school grounds. Designed to be inclusive (suitable for all fitness levels) and time-efficient, it requires no special equipment or preparation and integrates seamlessly into the school day without disrupting learning.
Impacts:
Physical health benefits: evaluation reports show improved fitness contributing to healthier weight management
Mental health and well-being: schools report less stressed students with improved focus after participating; the non-competitive nature of the activity fosters a sense of community and enhances social skill
Cognitive and academic benefits: teachers note enhanced concentration, fewer classroom disruptions and better behaviour overall
The Daily Mile has been adopted by over 12 000 schools in 80 countries, receiving endorsements from health organisations and inspiring similar initiatives worldwide.
Physical activities in schools in Nordic countries
In Nordic countries, physical activity is deeply integrated into school curricula, and goes beyond the mandatory physical education classes, reflecting a strong emphasis on the importance of physical health, outdoor activities, and overall well-being.
Finland
In 2009, Finland launched the “Schools on the Move” programme, targeting both primary and secondary schools. Initially experimented by 45 schools, it was gradually expanded starting in 2012. By the end of 2018, 90% of schools, representing 92% of students, were participating in the programme. Its objective is to increase physical activity among children through initiatives such as promoting active transportation to school - cycling and walking - and introducing 15-minute active breaks every 45 minutes of class. The programme has also led to changes in teaching practices within classrooms.
Sweden
Outdoor activities: Sweden has a strong tradition of “friluftsliv” (outdoor life), which is often integrated into the school curriculum. Activities such as hiking, skiing, and orienteering are common, and schools frequently organise outdoor days or camps where students engage in various physical activities in nature.
Norway
Holistic approach: In Norway, physical activity is viewed as an essential part of education and personal development. There is a strong emphasis on outdoor education, with many schools integrating activities like hiking, skiing, and other outdoor sports into their programmes.
Outdoor school days: Norwegian schools often have “outdoor school days” where the entire day is spent engaging in physical activities in nature. This is seen as a way to connect students with their environment and promote physical fitness.
Denmark
Active learning environments: while PE is compulsory from primary school through the end of lower secondary education, Danish schools also often incorporate physical activity into other subjects. For example, lessons might be conducted outside, or physical tasks may be integrated into academic learning, aligning with Denmark’s broader emphasis on active learning.
Source: The Daily Mile | UK; World Health Organization, Denmark Physical Activity Factsheet 2021;
Pilot phase
The initiative of 30 minutes of physical activity in schools draws on earlier experimentation in the Académie de Creteil2 and was part of the legacy activation programme. It was called Start Your Day with Movement!. Since 2018, this multi-county school district has been committed to developing educational resources to incorporate daily physical activities, at times chosen by teachers, as a complement to obligatory physical education classes, with the simple goal of encouraging children to move more.
Subsequently, a voluntary pilot phase launched in February 2020. Approximately 1 000 schools participated in this initial phase, which was supported by Paris 2024, the Ministry of Education, Youth (and Sport from July 2020) and the National Sports Agency. The pilot allowed schools to experiment with integrating 30 minutes of daily activity into their schedules using flexible approaches tailored to local contexts: sessions can be divided throughout the day or conducted at once, held during school hours (including recess) or after school, and are designed to leverage existing resources. No special sports attire is required, and the schoolyard, school facilities (including classrooms), and surrounding areas are prioritised for these activities (see further details in Box 3.8).
The pilot revealed that integrating physical activity into the school day reduced classroom disruptions and improved students’ attention and engagement. For instance, activities like running, jumping, and throwing were identified as effective because they required minimal equipment and preparation, could be performed in small spaces, and encouraged participation from all children, regardless of skill level.
Expansion
By June 2021, the number of participating schools had grown to 11 000, representing 22% of French primary schools. This expansion was facilitated by the distribution of sports kits and resources, as well as ongoing collaboration with sports federations. In January 2022, the Ministry of Education announced a plan to generalise the programme across all primary schools. The initiative gained legal support with the adoption of a national law on March 2, 20223. This law amended the French Education Code to guarantee daily physical activity for primary school students, laying the groundwork for the programme’s nationwide rollout. In 2021-2024, EUR 8 230 000 were invested to support this initiative (including EUR 2 000 000 from Paris 2024, EUR 3 000 000 from the National Sports Agency, and EUR 3 230 000 from the Ministry of Sports and Olympic and Paralympic Games) (Paris 2024, 2024[11]).
Activity design: The initiative emphasised fundamental motor skills, such as running, jumping, and throwing, that could be performed individually or in groups. Activities were designed to be fun, inclusive, and adaptable to different physical spaces, such as school courtyards or nearby public parks.
Resources: Participating school received a kit containing essential equipment, such as jump ropes, balls, and cones, as well as pedagogical materials to guide teachers. The programme also utilised digital tools, including an app where teachers could access activity suggestions and generate random daily exercises for students.
Flexibility in implementation: Schools had the autonomy to decide how and when to schedule the 30 minutes of activity. This flexibility addressed concerns about time management and allowed educators to integrate physical activity in a way that complemented their daily routines.
No formal evaluation of participants: the performance of children during the 30 minutes is not evaluated.
Teacher support and training: Recognising that not all teachers were confident in leading physical activities, the programme included support measures such as training sessions, instructional videos, and collaborative planning within school teams. Teachers were reassured that the focus was not on formal evaluation but on fostering movement and enjoyment.
Space utilisation: To address logistical constraints, particularly in urban schools with limited outdoor areas, the initiative encouraged creative use of available spaces. For example, some schools partnered with nearby public parks or adapted small courtyards to facilitate activities.
Community engagement: In some areas, the initiative became a catalyst for broader community involvement. For example, elderly residents in urban neighbourhoods often joined children in public spaces for activities, fostering intergenerational connections.
Evaluation and iteration: The programme incorporated ongoing feedback mechanisms to refine implementation. School inspectors and educators monitored the programme’s impact on students’ physical and cognitive well-being, using tools like classroom observations and discussions with school communities.
Challenges encountered and responses taken
The pilot and the first moths of the expansion phase have helped to identify challenges and barriers to implementation. As described in a focused review undertaken in 20214, issues primarily revolved around misunderstandings of the programme purpose, logistical constraints within schools, disparities in resources and readiness among institutions, and external factors such as the COVID-19 pandemic.
Clarification of purpose
One of the major challenges lies in the perceived overlap between the 30 minutes of daily physical activity initiative (APQ) and existing physical and sports education (PSE) classes. Additionally, the programme’s broader objectives - reducing sedentary behaviour and promoting student well-being - are sometimes overshadowed by the focus on enhancing athletic performance, further contributing to misconceptions. The initiative’s links to other ongoing programmes, such as Generation 2024 (see dedicated case study later in this chapter) or “Savoir Rouler à Vélo” (learning to ride a bicycle), have also created confusion.
To address misunderstandings, the programme’s purpose was communicated more clearly, emphasising that the 30 minutes of daily physical activity is a complement to the mandatory physical and sports education classes rather than a replacement. The 30 minutes activity is designed to ensure that students engage in physical activity on days when PSE is not scheduled, thereby reducing sedentary behaviour and promoting well-being. This focus on health rather than sports performance has been highlighted in training sessions and outreach materials to ensure consistent messaging across schools. Guidance has also been provided to delineate the roles of APQ, PSE, and other programmes like “Savoir Rouler à Vélo,” helping educators and administrators integrate these initiatives without redundancy.
Logistical and scheduling constraints
Integrating APQ into an already packed school schedule poses a significant logistical challenge. Many teachers reported difficulties in carving out dedicated time for the initiative without sacrificing instructional time for core subjects like French and mathematics, which are given priority. The use of recess as a time for APQ has been met with mixed reactions. While it offers a convenient solution, it risks limiting students’ freedom to choose their activities during these breaks, potentially undermining their autonomy and enjoyment.
To alleviate scheduling concerns, it was clarified that the programme promotes flexibility in how the 30 minutes of activity can be incorporated into the school day. Options include splitting the activity into shorter sessions or embedding it within existing lessons through active pedagogical methods. For example, teachers might incorporate movement into math lessons by having students physically measure the perimeter of a football field, learning multiplication tables through movement, practicing spelling with gestures, or taking nature walks for science lessons. Teachers are also encouraged to ensure breaks between subjects to improve focus, such as active pauses involving physical activities.
Pedagogical resources, such as ready-to-use lesson plans and activity guides, were developed to help teachers seamlessly integrate APQ into their routines without requiring additional preparation time. These resources were designed to be adaptable to various school contexts, minimising the impact on instructional time for other subjects.
Resource disparities
A notable challenge was the disparity in resources and readiness among schools. Institutions already labelled as Generation 2024 or with established partnerships with sports organisations have found it easier to implement APQ successfully. In contrast, schools with fewer resources, limited experience with structured physical activity programmes, or higher logistical constraints have faced greater difficulties.
Additionally, the administrative process required to engage with the programme in its experimental phase was perceived as cumbersome. Some schools have been deterred by the time and effort required to submit detailed project plans, particularly those that lack administrative support or familiarity with such processes.
Efforts to reduce disparities among schools included targeted support for those not already involved in Generation 2024. Regional education authorities (DASENs) have been tasked with identifying schools that require additional resources or training and providing tailored assistance. This included distributing sports equipment, connecting schools with local sports organisations, and offering training sessions to build teachers’ confidence in implementing the programme.
Simplifying administrative procedures was another priority. Tools such as pre-filled templates, detailed tutorials, and support hotlines have been introduced to ease the burden of completing application forms and reporting requirements.
Collaboration and partnerships
Collaboration with local sports clubs, municipalities, and parent associations is a cornerstone of the initiative. By leveraging these partnerships, schools can access additional resources, expertise, and support for implementing APQ. For instance, municipalities are being encouraged to invest in school infrastructure, such as playgrounds and recreational spaces, to create more opportunities for physical activity.
National training programmes, support days and webinars are also being organised to foster collaboration among educators, sports professionals, and community stakeholders. These events provide a platform for sharing best practices and developing innovative approaches to APQ.
Results and what’s next
By 2024 42% of schools across France implemented the 30-minute daily activity for the majority of their students (SÉNAT 2023-2024, 2024[12]). In terms of impacts, an in-depth study on the implementation of the scheme within the Académie de Créteil 5 shows that the effects perceived by the teachers were very positive overall: 91% of teachers believed that the scheme helped to reduce the sedentary nature of pupils; 94% believed that it improved pupils’ well-being; and 82% of teachers believe that it helped to improve pupils’ commitment to free practice. The scheme also has an impact on the teachers themselves: 62% believed that it improves their well-being.
OECD and WHO work underlines that as physical activity is a complex behaviour, a comprehensive package of policies is needed to target all its drivers at the same time, with sufficient and sustained funding and evaluation. As with any public health strategy, it is crucial to ensure that the policy package has both financial and political support. Current funding for physical activity in OECD countries is often insufficient, short term, narrow in scope, and focussed on pilot and demonstration projects instead of strengthening a supportive system (OECD/WHO, 2023[7]).
The 30 minutes of daily physical activity initiative continues post Games. The following recommendations from an evaluation report by a French Senate Commission on Culture, Education, Communication and Sport could strengthen its implementation (SÉNAT 2023-2024, 2024[12]). The report recommends renaming the initiative to Active and Well-being Breaks (Pauses actives et bien-être) to emphasize its public health focus and distinguish it from formal physical education. Improvements to infrastructure, such as dynamic playground markings and wider distribution of sports kits to all schools, including those in rural areas, are proposed to support more varied physical activities. Community involvement is encouraged, with collaboration from extracurricular providers and parents. Strengthening teacher training is also highlighted, with a focus on integrating physical activity into academic learning and ensuring that every school has at least one trained teacher within three years. Improved co-ordination between ministries, local governments, and sports organisations is recommended to streamline funding and implementation. Finally, the report emphasizes the need for comprehensive public health evaluations to measure the programme’s impact on student health and sedentary behaviour, ensuring evidence-based adjustments.
Case study: Generation 2024 label – strengthening ties between sports clubs and educational institutions to promote youth engagement in sports
The Generation 2024 initiative, established following Paris selection as the host city for the 2024 Olympic and Paralympic Games, aimed to strengthen connections between educational institutions and the sports movement to promote physical activity among young people. As part of this initiative, the Generation 2024 label was launched in 2018 by the French Ministry of National Education and Youth, in collaboration with the Ministry of Sports and the Ministry of Higher Education and Research.
Objectives and activities
The Generation 2024 label is awarded to schools and institutions that commit to the objectives of promoting the integration of sports into educational environments and encouraging a culture of physical activity among young people. To qualify, educational institutions are required to:
Develop formal partnerships with local sports clubs: this involves organising joint events, providing information about local sports offerings, and formalising partnerships to enhance mutual support and co-creation of activities.
Open their facilities for use by community organisations outside of school hours: By making school sports equipment accessible outside school hours, schools can foster greater community engagement and optimise the use of existing resources.
Incorporate Olympic and Paralympic themes into their educational programmes: Schools are encouraged to engage in events like the National School Sports Day, the Olympic and Paralympic Week, and Olympic Day on June 23, integrating these themes into their educational projects.
Support talented young athletes in balancing their academic and sporting commitments: This includes offering tailored educational pathways, flexible scheduling, and personalised support to accommodate the training and competition demands of student-athletes, ensuring their academic and athletic success.
The Generation 2024 label provides various forms of support to educational institutions. Material support is provided through promotional kits, including plaques, flags, and organisational tools to help schools display the label and host events. Schools with the Generation 2024 label were eligible to receive Generation 2024 vouchers (coupons) of EUR 300 by establishing formal agreements with nearby sports clubs (Académie de Nancy-Metz, 2022[13]). The vouchers fund activities such as co-teaching physical education lessons, introducing new sports, and organising events that promote Olympic and Paralympic values. Additionally, human resources support involves recruiting civic service volunteers to assist with sports-related projects. Schools also receive training and guidance through manuals, webinars, and national seminars designed to share best practices and coordinate efforts.
Challenges encountered and responses taken
Resource inequalities
One of the significant barriers to successful implementation has been resource inequality across schools. Well-funded institutions with existing partnerships and facilities find it easier to adopt the requirements of the label. In contrast, under-resourced schools, especially those in socio-economically disadvantaged areas, face considerable challenges in meeting the programme’s demands. Limited access to sports infrastructure, insufficient funding, and a lack of trained personnel to oversee sports activities further exacerbate these inequalities.
Administrative and logistical difficulties
Participating institutions are required to establish formal agreements with local sports clubs and submit detailed plans for integrating physical activity into their curricula. These administrative requirements can be cumbersome, particularly for schools with limited staffing or administrative capacity. Additionally, integrating regular physical activity into an already dense academic schedule presents logistical challenges, as teachers often prioritise core subjects like mathematics and French over extracurricular activities.
Resistance to change
The cultural perception of sports within the education system also poses a challenge. Sports and physical activity are often viewed as secondary to academic achievements, leading to reluctance in dedicating substantial time or resources to the initiative.
These challenges are not new for the initiatives that want to address physical activity across places and populations. A recent study looked into several initiatives by Olympic hosts and beyond highlighting common challenges and possible actions to overcome those (Delaplace and Schut, 2024[14]) (see Box 3.9).
London 2012, United Kingdom: London’s approach to leveraging the Olympics for promoting sports participation involved extensive investments in community sports programmes and facilities. However, the long-term impact of these initiatives was limited, with participation rates in sports declining a few years after the Games. The challenges in London mirrored those of Generation 2024: resource disparities, administrative bottlenecks, and difficulties in sustaining enthusiasm beyond the Olympic period. The lesson for similar initiatives is to focus on sustained funding and long-term engagement rather than relying solely on the symbolic momentum of the Games.
Sydney 2000, Australia: Sydney’s Olympic legacy programmes were notable for their emphasis on infrastructure development. The city invested heavily in community sports facilities, which led to increased access to sports for the local population. However, Sydney also highlighted the risks of focusing too heavily on infrastructure without adequate post-Games funding and community outreach. Paris has attempted to address this by emphasising partnerships and educational integration, rather than purely infrastructure development, to ensure a balanced approach.
Grassroot and community sports initiatives: Smaller-scale initiatives in non-Olympic contexts offer valuable lessons for enhancing grassroots sports promotion. In Scandinavian countries, such as Finland and Sweden, a decentralised approach allows municipalities and local communities to tailor sports education to local needs, fostering greater engagement and inclusivity. Finnish schools integrate outdoor activities and unstructured play into daily routines, supported by local government and sports organisations, while Sweden prioritises universal accessibility, ensuring that all children can participate regardless of socioeconomic background or physical ability. By contrast, Generation 2024 follows a centralised model within the French education system, benefiting from strong governmental support but with less flexibility for local adaptation. Incorporating community-driven elements, such as greater stakeholder empowerment, collaboration between schools and local organisations, and unstructured play, could enhance inclusivity and responsiveness. The Scandinavian focus on integrating physical activity into daily life underscores the importance of making sport an enjoyable and sustainable habit, rather than an additional obligation.
Source: (Delaplace and Schut, 2024[14])
Results and what’s next
As of September 2024 some 11 000 schools and higher education establishments have been awarded the Generation 2024 label (19% of the total), including 1 820 in priority education districts (16% of the total), however, the level of commitment of local authorities and the sports movement varies across the territory (Ministère de l'Éducation Nationale et de la Jeunesse, n.d.[9]).
The government intends to make this label permanent beyond the Paris 2024 Games and rename it “Generation 2030” in connection with the Winter Games in the French Alps.
Case study: Active design in Saint Dizier city as part of Terre de Jeux 2024 label
To achieve the objectives of its Move More in the City programme - aimed in particular at designing public spaces that are more conducive to informal and spontaneous physical activity and sport - Paris 2024 made active design one of the pillars of its legacy strategy. This involves working closely with several stakeholders (such as the National Agency for Territorial Cohesion – ANCT, and Française des Jeux) to ensure that areas awarded the “Terre de Jeux 2024” label receive tailored support, helping to embed sport into residents’ daily lives. Saint-Dizier city is located in northeastern France’s Haute-Marne department and has a population of 23 068 residents (Institut National de la Statistique et des Études Économiques, 2023[15]). In 2021, Saint-Dizier joined a group of “active design pilot territories” initiated by the National Agency for Territorial Cohesion and Paris 2024 and was awarded the Terre de Jeux 2024 label (see Box 3.10).
The Terre de Jeux 2024 label, launched by Paris 2024 in June 2019, is an initiative designed to engage local governments, sports organisations, and institutions in promoting Olympic values and fostering sports accessibility nationwide. The label is awarded to municipalities, regional councils, and sports federations that commit to several criteria. Recipients of the Terre de Jeux label are expected to host Olympic-themed events, organise “Olympic Days” to engage local residents in sports, and to foster awareness of the Paralympic movement. A unique feature of the initiative is its emphasis on turning local facilities into pre-Games training centres for international athletes, further integrating local communities into the Olympic preparation process. Applicants must submit detailed plans demonstrating their commitment to these objectives, including specific projects, outreach initiatives, and partnerships.
As of 2024, over 4,800 entities have been awarded the Terre de Jeux label. These territories have collectively organised thousands of events promoting Olympic and Paralympic values, with a notable focus on inclusivity and grassroots engagement. Specific outcomes include the transformation of public spaces into active sports hubs, increased participation in community sports programmes, and strengthened ties between local governments and sports organisations.
Source: Paris 2024 Sustainability & Legacy Pre-Games Report Summary, May 2024
Objectives and activities
The aim of the city was to implement and experiment with a new approach to public space planning, focusing on combating sedentary lifestyles and urban isolation, while promoting cultural and family-oriented pathways within the city. In Saint-Dizier, active design takes shape through ground markings (such as running tracks, hopscotch grids, and motivational messages), the installation of play modules and urban furniture (e.g. connected pedal machines). Active design principles were also applied in school settings to transform school spaces into more engaging, interactive environments and include vegetation, which served as cooling “oasis” areas to combat rising temperatures. To encourage walking, Saint-Dizier gamified the routes to schools and introduced safety measures to make the journey more enjoyable and accessible. As part of a larger vision that extends into 2026-2027, Saint-Dizier has also redeveloped a former commercial site into a multisport complex. The space was designed to be accessible to everyone, particularly those who wanted to engage in sports without requiring club memberships or licenses.
Support from Paris 2024
Saint-Dizier benefited from the extensive support of Paris 2024 Organising Committee, which provided both methodological and financial resources. For instance, Paris 2024 helped address the methodological challenges of creating inclusive, non-gendered schoolyards that encouraged participation from all children. They also facilitated impact studies to assess the success of these initiatives, offering data to refine and improve the programmes. These studies included evaluations of public space usage, which informed the city’s approach to long-term planning and investment.
Challenges encountered and responses taken
The city sought to create inclusive opportunities for all residents to participate in Olympic-themed activities, regardless of their socioeconomic or cultural background. Despite these efforts, there was a recognition that not all groups were equally engaged, and the city made ongoing attempts to address barriers to participation. The challenges the city faced included resistance from some local schools to adopting changes to their sports programmes. For instance, incorporating non-gendered spaces in schoolyards sparked debates about educational and cultural norms. Schools were initially resistant to changes such as redesigning traditional sports areas, as these adjustments conflicted with existing curricula and regulations. The municipality worked closely with Paris 2024 and other stakeholders to address these concerns, providing methodological support to navigate the integration of these new ideas into the local education system.
Although the city successfully engaged many residents, a persistent challenge was reaching “invisible” populations - those disconnected from employment and community activities due to socioeconomic, cultural, or geographic barriers. This issue was particularly pronounced in rural areas, where transportation and mobility constraints compounded the difficulties of participation. In response, the city partnered with local associations to develop programmes and provided free or low-cost access to events. Despite these efforts, fully engaging these groups remained an ongoing challenge.
Results and what’s next
A study was carried out in Saint-Dizier, a pilot city for the initiative, to assess the impact of active design developments on residents’ behaviour. The findings showed that 71% of residents felt that stairs and ground markings encouraged them to use these features more; 42% used the stairs when going to Deauville Park; and 14% reported that the presence of these new facilities had helped them get moving again or resume physical activity. In addition, the number of redesigned school playgrounds increased from 2 in Saint-Dizier to 200 nationwide by 2023, with a target of transforming 1 500 playgrounds across France in the coming years (Organising Committee Paris 2024, 2023[16]).
Moreover, according to the city administration, the Olympic-related events attracted visitors, leading to increased demand for local hotels, restaurants and shops. Hotels reported full occupancy, and businesses in the city centre saw higher foot traffic during practically all Games themed activities initiated by the city. Beyond the economic benefits, the city also embraced cultural and sporting events that promoted new Olympic disciplines such as basketball 3x3 and skateboarding. These efforts aligned with the city’s broader strategy to rejuvenate local engagement and showcase the value of sports and culture to its residents.
The initiatives in Saint-Dizier were embedded in a broader vision for the city’s future with benefits extending beyond 2024. By fostering partnerships across public and private sectors, the city aimed to ensure the sustainability of its projects. The development of local networks and long-term investments all contributed to this vision.
References
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[13] Académie de Nancy-Metz (2022), Comité de pilotage académique Label génération 2024, 16 décembre 2022, https://sites.ac-nancy-metz.fr/eps/wp/wp-content/uploads/2023/06/COPIL_G24_16-12-22.pdf.
[10] Comité d’Organisation Paris 2024 (2024), RAPPORT DURABILITÉ & HÉRITAGE POST-JEUX, AXE STRATÉGIQUE : LIVRER DES JEUX PLUS RESPONSABLES, https://library.olympics.com/detailstatic.aspx?RSC_BASE=SYRACUSE&RSC_DOCID=3460058&TITLE=rapport-durabilite-heritage-post-jeux-axe-strategique-livrer-des-jeux-plus-responsables-paris-2024-c&_lg=fr-FR.
[3] Comité d’Organisation Paris 2024 (2024), RAPPORT DURABILITÉ & HÉRITAGE POST-JEUX, AXE STRATÉGIQUE : LIVRER DES JEUX PLUS RESPONSABLES, DÉCEMBRE 2024.
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[15] Institut National de la Statistique et des Études Économiques (2023), Populations légales 2021, Commune de Saint-Dizier-les-Domaines, https://www.insee.fr/fr/statistiques/7725600?geo=COM-23188.
[1] International Paralympic Committee (2020), Accessibility Guide.
[4] Le Comité Paralympique et Sportif Français (2025), , https://france-paralympique.fr/actualite/club-inclusif-prolonge-jusquen-2027/ (accessed on 5 May 2025).
[9] Ministère de l’Éducation Nationale et de la Jeunesse (n.d.), Établissements labellisés “Génération 2024”, https://data.education.gouv.fr/explore/dataset/fr-en-etablissements-labellises-generation-2024/export/ (accessed on 20 December 2024).
[8] OECD (2023), “Diet and physical activity”, in Health at a Glance 2023: OECD Indicators, OECD Publishing, https://doi.org/10.1787/7a7afb35-en.
[7] OECD Publishing, P. (ed.) (2023), Step Up! Tackling the Burden of Insufficient Physical Activity in Europe, https://doi.org/10.1787/500a9601-en.
[16] Organising Committee Paris 2024 (2023), Interim Evaluation Report on the Legacy & Sustainability Strategy of Paris 2024; Executive Summary Report, https://cdes.fr/wp-content/uploads/2023/11/Executive-Summery-VENG-final.pdf.
[11] Paris 2024 (2024), Rapport durabilité et héritage pré-jeux, https://medias.paris2024.org/uploads/2024/06/Paris2024-240531-RAPPORT-DURABILITE-HERITAGE.pdf.
[6] Pluricité; CDES; agencephare; ipama; SPORT 1.5 (2023), Interim Evaluation Report on the Legacy and Sustainability Strategy of Paris 2024, Strategic Focus “Building the Social and Environmental Legacy of Paris 2024 Games” Full Report, https://cdes.fr/wp-content/uploads/2024/02/RapportCDES-VENG-longue.pdf.
[5] Secrétariat d’Etat chargé des Personnes handicapées (2021), Campagne nationale de sensibilisation au handicap.
[12] SÉNAT 2023-2024 (2024), RAPPORT D’INFORMATION FAIT au nom de la commission de la culture, de l’éducation, de la communication et du sport sur l’évaluation territoriale du dispositif « 30 minutes d’activité physique quotidienne à l’école » N° 774 SÉNAT 2023-2024, https://www.senat.fr/rap/r23-774/r23-7741.pdf.
← 1. AFNOR is the French Standardisation Association (Association Française de Normalisation).
← 2. The Académie de Créteil is one of the regional education administrative divisions in France, responsible for managing the French national education system within a specific geographical area. It is one of 30 academies in the country and falls under the authority of the Ministry of National Education. The Académie de Créteil is located in the eastern part of the Paris metropolitan area and covers parts of the administrative region of Île-de-France, specifically the departments of Seine-Saint-Denis (93), Val-de-Marne (94), and Seine-et-Marne (77).
← 3. Article 17 of Law No. 2022-296 aimed at democratising sport in France (Article 17 includes “Art. L. 321-3-1 – In addition to the physical education curriculum, the State guarantees a minimum daily practice of physical and sports activities in primary schools”).
← 4. Webinaire des référents 30 minutes d’activité physique quotidienne 9 mars 2021 Document de synthèse, Ministère de l’éducation nationale, de la jeunesse et des sports.
← 5. The study was carried out as part of the evaluation process for the Legacy and Sustainability strategy and was commissioned by Paris 2024 and conducted by the National Observatory of Physical Activity and Sedentarily (Observatoir national de l’activité physique et de la sédentarité - ONAPS).