Friendship, respect, and harmony: the legacy of the Olympic Games shared with the new generations

In the fervor of the Olympic and Paralympic Games - Paris 2024, hundreds of young students from Paris and the Île-de-France region gathered at the UNESCO House, curious and enthusiastic, ready to explore the values of Olympism and the impact of sport on society during an exceptional Campus.

The event began with a welcome address from Matthieu Guevel, Director of Communications at UNESCO, who welcomed the students and wished a "happy birthday" to the UNESCO Campus program, which celebrates its 10th anniversary in April 2024.

Next, it was the turn of Vincent Pasquini, Head of International Cooperation for Paris 2024, who recalled how the Olympics are an exceptional event for the city of Paris and invited the students present in the Hall to support the refugee team.

The morning was then dedicated to the film "The Swimmers" which tells the true story of sisters Yusra and Sarah Mardini, who fled the war in Syria by sea and took refuge in Germany before going on to compete in the Rio 2016 Olympics on the refugee team. The film's very powerful story left the students shaken but also moved; eager to discuss it in the afternoon.

Before the exchange, the young students enjoyed the good weather by having lunch in the UNESCO gardens; admiring the works of art at the Headquarters and resting before the second part of the day.

Under the benevolent guidance of Sylvère Henry Cissé, Campus moderator, the meeting began with a moment dedicated to Olympic history, necessary to remind the young audience of the spirit that has animated the Games for decades.

Then, Gabriela Ramos, Assistant Director-General for Social and Human Sciences at UNESCO, passionately recalled the organization's mandate for education through sport.

Once the floor was given to the public, it was the turn of Raphael from the Saint-John Perse School (Paris 18), who already had a little prepared speech in his hands. He wanted to share with his colleagues present in the Hall how the practice of boxing with theater had allowed him to gain self-confidence. "We must follow our passions, whatever they may be." His courage and inspiring words surprised the other students and athletes present, who thanked him afterwards with great applause.

Then, it was the turn of the experts. Philipp Muller-Wirth, Head of the Sports Section, Social and Human Sciences Sector, UNESCO, highlighted the benefits of sport for health. He wanted to emphasize the importance of the joy of practicing sport every day: not only in the context of competitions, but as an integral part of everyday life.

It was indeed this joy in practicing sport that led Anouk Garnier, double world obstacle course champion, ambassador of the Paris 2024 Volunteers program, to break a world record. Recently, Anouk broke all limits with a sporting performance involving the most emblematic French monument: the Eiffel Tower. She climbed the Tower by rope, reaching the second floor (110 meters) in 18 minutes. This story piqued the curiosity of several young people in the room who wanted to ask her why such an effort. The athlete simply replied: "Because it was super fun!" She added that the reason for such a performance was also to raise awareness of a very important issue: to raise funds for cancer research, and to highlight the importance of sport on long-term health.

In addition to the physical benefits, sport has a vital impact on society, for its ability to transform an environment and the people who live in it. Tony Estanguet, triple European champion, triple world champion and triple Olympic canoe slalom champion, wanted to leave the young people in the room with an inspiring video message:

Right after, the story of Ryadh Sallem, 18-time French and European champion in wheelchair basketball, swimming and now wheelchair rugby for Paris 2024, inspired the students by showing how through sport, despite and thanks to failures, character is forged. Ryadh shared with the young people in the room how sport has allowed him to accept himself.

In addition, by playing a team sport, Ryadh found another family, a sense of belonging that allowed him to find inner peace.

For Masomah Ali Zada, an Afghan cyclist, head of mission of the Olympic team and refugee flag bearer for Paris 2024, cycling was much more than a sport. It was her freedom, her escape, her hope. She shared the difficulties she faced during training and her determination to continue breaking barriers in her own way. She did not hesitate to share the stresses she is under, with her studies and other commitments.

The students participated with enthusiasm and curiosity throughout the exchange; interacting with the athletes with interesting and relevant questions.

The day ended with a wheelchair rugby workshop/demonstration in the UNESCO Piazza. Several of the young students had fun learning the rules of the game and trying to score points on wheelchairs.

On this special day, marking the decade of the UNESCO Campus program, one certainty emerges: sport is much more than competition. It is a vector of peace, inclusion, and hope for a better future.

This event was organized with the support of the Engie Foundation and in collaboration with 6C-Conseil, Paris 2024, and the Olympic Refuge Foundation.