Terre de Jeux 2024 : the federations on the front line
Federations are at the forefront of efforts to spread the practice of sports in France, and to organise it. They are active in every town and city through their affiliated clubs, and in every region and department through the regional leagues and departmental committees that report to them. And they are actively promoting sports on the ground, day after day. Federations, in other words, are key partners for Paris 2024: they and we are intent on kindling interest in sports and bringing the excitement that sports and the Games spark to as many people as possible throughout the country. The Terre de Jeux 2024 adventure started in 2019, when the 34 Olympic and Paralympic federations were accredited and joined the Paris 2024 Games programme, on 23 June – Olympic Day.
Connecting the sports world
Terre de Jeux 2024 accreditation connects people involved in sports at local level, so that they can team up on projects. The goal, for Paris 2024 and the sports federations, is to make sure the Paris 2024 Games reach the country as a whole. The federations, the CNOSF (French National Olympic and Sports Committee), its regional, departmental and overseas branches, and the communities and sports organisations that will soon be joining the Terre de Jeux adventure will all contribute to this Paris 2024 programme, which will solidify ties between communities and the sports movement, so that they can work together on projects that will encourage people in France to do more sports.
The Olympic and Paralympic federations aren’t the only ones promoting sports for all. Neither is the Terre de Jeux 2024 label. Bringing people together is a goal that everyone involved in sports in this country shares – whether their discipline is included in the Games or not.
Initiatives that bring together communities and the sports movement, and make a difference
The various sports federations hold many events throughout the year to promote the values that sport stands for and to prompt people in France to get more involved in sports.
For instance, the Fédération Française d’Athlétisme is transferring the inclusive spirit that surrounds sport into job-dating events. It organises these events with Pôle Emploi (the French government’s employment agency) and Paris 2024 to put companies in touch with job seekers. The events are designed to build bridges “between sports fields and professional fields”, and the Terre de Jeux 2024 community provides the link between this federation and the accredited cities that are interested in holding this kind of event.
During the #ExploreTerreDeJeux2024 operation in the summer of 2020, the CDOS’ branch in the Loire department and Saint-Etienne city authorities came up with an attractive example of a joint initiative by the sports movement and local councils. They teamed up with the Loire departmental orienteering committee to set up an orienteering course in the centre of the city – and it’s hard to think of a better way to bring sports into town.
The Fédération Française de Canoë-Kayak is another noteworthy example: that same summer, it organised its “Paddle France” campaign to feature France’s most stunning spots with an interactive map. Some spots were in calm waters, others in white waters, yet others out at sea. Combined, they captured the ample choice of opportunities to enjoy canoeing and kayaking while promoting the clubs and other facilities nearby, and they showcased the choice of breath-taking scenery throughout the country.
Sports organisations will be accredited soon
Clubs will be welcome to apply for the Terre de Jeux 2024 label in the spring of 2021. They will be the final link in the chain of French sports organisations – and the one in closest contact with the people practicing sports. In other words, they will close the loop: the federations, regional, departmental and overseas branches, regional leagues, and local authorities, will be working hand in hand to encourage people in France to do more sports every day.