For one day, the forecourt of the Stade de France lived to the Olympic rhythm. Taking advantage of a glorious day, many French people came to Seine-Saint-Denis to celebrate Olympic Day, Sunday June 26. For the occasion, the forecourt of the Stade de France and the surrounding quays have been transformed into giant sports grounds. 32 sports federations have settled there, offering initiations and discoveries of their Olympic and Paralympic discipline.
On the program: volleyball, rowing, basketball, cycling, boccia, breaking, archery, judo, swimming, fencing, climbing, tennis, boxing, etc… It was even possible to learn canoeing and sailing on the Seine. In total, 30,000 m² have been dedicated to sports practice around the Stade de France. There was something for everyone. What to let yourself be carried according to your desires.
The Stade de France vibrates to the rhythm of the #OlympicDay pic.twitter.com/klRmp07W9d
—Apolline Merle (@Apolline_Merle) June 26, 2022
After a first edition in 2017 on the Seine, then Place de la Concorde, the Olympic day therefore moved to Seine-Saint-Denis, the territory where the rugby, athletics, diving and swimming events will take place. artistic and water polo.
An obvious choice for the president of the Paris 2024 organizing committee, Tony Estanguet. “We absolutely wanted to organize a day in Seine-Saint-Denis with the same ambition and the same recipe as in previous years, that is to say, stands organized by the sports federations, which are best placed to offer these events. For us, it makes sense to be in Seine-Saint-Denis, because it is the territory in France that will benefit the most from the dynamics of the Games”, recalls the boss of Paris 2014.
If the French came en masse, a hundred top athletes also responded. Swimmer Camille Lacourt, basketball player Diandra Tchatchouang, fencer Cécilia Berder, boxer Souleymane Cissokho, judoka Romane Dicko and even rugby player Anne-Cécile Ciofani each led workshops at their federation’s stands.
“You have to show young people the strengths of sport, the diversity of disciplines, and that contrary to what you might think, there is no sport reserved for certain categories of people. Everyone can do everything. You shouldn’t be afraid to get started, even in a little-known sport. The main thing is to have fun”, insists backstop Camille Lacourt, five-time world champion.
Today is the #OlympicDay and Paralympic! Introduction to wheelchair basketball pic.twitter.com/xv0eIAgZTu
—Apolline Merle (@Apolline_Merle) June 26, 2022
Pleasure, Laurent, who came from Gironde for the occasion, took it when he tried wheelchair basketball for the first time. “The sensations were special because it’s difficult to steer the wheelchair and play at the same time. It’s very technical but I really liked this experience”, he reacted at the end of his mini game.
“It’s important that the athletes are here today and share the values of Olympism, surpassing oneself, respect, etc… It’s nice to see so many people, so much enthusiasm. All the stands are packed. It’s a taste of the Games”, rejoices Souleymane Cissokho, who dreams of taking part in the Paris Games. “Participating in the Olympics is the holy grail for me. If I had to choose between a medal at the world championships or at the Olympics, I choose 1000% the Olympic medal”, delivers the one who was bronze medalist at the Rio Games in 2016.
In the ring, Souleymane Cissokho takes pleasure in guiding and advising his apprentice boxers. “We do a touch on the shoulders… Great, now we’re putting on feints”, he tells his students of the day. “She is indeed your guard”, he congratulates again. Privileged moments for spectators, young and old, to learn from the French champions. “Thank you for allowing my daughter to box with Souleymane Cissokho”, slips the mother of a little girl to one of the staff members. “It’s not me who should be thanked, but the athletes who have given their time for the children. They are there for them”, he replies.
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This privileged moment is also for the athletes. For Alexandre Jumelin, four-time BMX world champion and silver medalist at the X-Games 2022, this day is an incredible showcase for the world of sport. “This day allows us to make accessible our sport, BMX, which seems a little inaccessible at first glance. It’s really great to see everyone discovering all these sports, even the lesser known ones”, he savors.
At his side, a young boy accosts him, curious about his discipline. “How do you not fall?” he asks after watching him on his bike. “It’s the story of my life, laughs the one who has practiced BMX since he was 11 years old. The more you are afraid, the more you doubt, and the more you risk hurting yourself.”
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For the French, the day was also an opportunity to learn about the new Olympic sports, such as breaking, rock climbing and skateboarding. Romain came with his three-year-old son, already a fan of skateboarding. “He has already done some, but what better than to practice on this unique playground, this mythical place that is the Stade de France”, esteem this young dad.
Right next to him, the music resounds and attracts the crowd. To a tune of Uptown Funk by Bruno Mars, the public flocks to try their hand at breaking. “Don’t you want to try?”, slips a man to his companion. “Why not”, she replies tit for tat, before taking her place in the center of the stand.
Below the forecourt, the atmosphere is just as exhilarating. “We are waiting for the trampoline demonstration before going to try climbing”, explains Audrey, a resident of Val-de-Marne. “We came as a family, with my husband and our three children to introduce them to the Olympic sports but also the atmosphere of the Games. We know about it because we have already experienced it, but not them.”
Above all, Audrey has a very specific objective: to participate in the Paris 2024 marathon for all. “We are marathon runners. My husband has already won his bib. I am still trying to get mine. I give everything. I have already registered everywhere when I arrive”, she laughs. “The Paris Games marathon only happens once in a lifetime. It’s impossible for us not to be there”, delivers this passion.
Trampoline demonstration by Allan Morante, European Champion#OlympicDay pic.twitter.com/4hw2asXAv8
—Apolline Merle (@Apolline_Merle) June 26, 2022
Almost two years from the start of the Paris Games, has the countdown now started? “For athletes it has been launched for a long time, but indeed, for the French present today, it may be the case, confirms Camille Lacourt. They say to themselves ‘ok the Games are tomorrow’. Now the goal is for everyone to follow suit.” At D-760, the Olympic momentum has never been so strong.