Paris is multiplying initiatives to get Parisians (back) into sports
The City of Paris is on a mission to tackle sedentary lifestyles and promote a healthier, more active community. With a series of free and accessible sports initiatives, the municipality aims to encourage Parisians of all ages to embrace physical activity and improve their overall well-being.
Recent statistics highlight a concerning trend: a significant percentage of Parisians fail to meet the World Health Organization’s recommendations for physical activity. Only 53% of women and 70% of men aged 18 to 74 achieve the recommended 2.5 hours of physical activity per week. The situation is even more alarming for youth aged 6 to 17, with only 18% of girls and 28% of boys meeting the daily recommendation of one hour of activity. The main culprit? Excessive sedentary behavior.
To combat this, the City of Paris has launched various programs designed to make physical activity more accessible and appealing to everyone.
Paris Sport Dimanches
One of the flagship initiatives is the Paris Sport Dimanches plan. This program offers free, one-hour sports sessions every Sunday throughout the year in 19 parks, gardens, and sports centers across the city. These sessions cater to different skill levels and include options for people with disabilities. Supervised by sports coaches from the French National Olympic Committee and sports educators from the City of Paris, Paris Sport Dimanches attracted over 4,000 participants in 2022.
Paris Sport Vacances
For younger Parisians, the Paris Sport Vacances plan provides an excellent opportunity to stay active during school holidays. Designed for children aged 7 to 17, the program allows approximately 20,000 participants to explore various sports, from climbing and rugby to circus arts. Over the course of a week, children can progress in their chosen sport under the guidance of qualified sports educators. Additionally, the Paris Sport Vacances + Culture camps blend cultural activities, such as theater or radio workshops, with sports, providing a well-rounded experience. These camps also include workshops to raise awareness about children’s rights, organized in collaboration with the Children’s Rights Mission of the City of Paris.
Paris Sport Famille and Other Initiatives
The Paris Sport Famille program offers family sports workshops on weekends, targeting children aged 3 to 7 and their parents. This initiative promotes family bonding through physical activity. Furthermore, the City of Paris supports secondary prevention programs like Paris after Cancer, which assists cancer survivors in their recovery through tailored physical activities.
Key Figures
- 1,200: The number of workshops that welcome nearly 20,000 children during Paris Sport Vacances.
- 10,000: The City of Paris offers over 10,000 spots for individuals aged 55 and above for sports classes.
These initiatives by the City of Paris demonstrate a strong commitment to fostering a healthier, more active community. By making sports accessible and engaging for all ages, Paris is not only combating sedentary lifestyles but also enriching the lives of its residents.
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