The 10th edition of the Olympic and Paralympic Week has just ended. Bernard Pujol, president of the CDOS of Haute-Garonne, reflects on the objectives and actions carried out throughout the department.
The 10th edition of the Olympic and Paralympic Week (SOP), held from March 30th to April 4th, once again mobilized a large turnout in Haute-Garonne. Through numerous actions carried out across the territory, the event highlighted the central role of sports in education and citizenship. For Bernard Pujol, president of the Departmental Olympic and Sports Committee (CDOS 31), the objective remains unchanged: “Promote regular sports practice among young people and raise awareness of the benefits of physical activity, both physically and mentally.” This 2024 edition particularly emphasized the notion of commitment. Personal, collective, or associative commitment: all dimensions addressed with young people to encourage them to become active citizens, relying on the values of respect, friendship, and excellence. Several initiatives took place in partnership with sports committees, school federations (UNSS, USEP, UGSEL), associations, and the national education system in various establishments in the department.
Highlights included a meeting at the Louisa Paulin College in Muret, where students interacted with swimmer Assia Touati, a participant in the 2024 Paris Olympics. In Tournefeuille, schoolchildren discovered new sports activities such as bumball or kinball. At the Creps in Toulouse, the “Move your boarding school” program brought together young athletes and instructors for innovative activities like tchoukball or disc golf, in the presence of the academy’s rector. A conference organized with the department council also offered students a privileged moment to interact with several Olympian and Paralympian athletes, who shared their journeys, experiences, and the values of high-level sports.
Throughout the week, meetings, animations, and workshops multiplied, generating real enthusiasm among the young participants. “The objective is also to inspire a lasting interest in physical activity and, perhaps, to cultivate the champions of tomorrow,” emphasizes Bernard Pujol. The feedback from this 10th edition is highly positive. “The mobilization was strong throughout the department. Sports and parasports actors, as well as schools, were present. The involvement of teachers and athletes from the Paris 2024 Games was crucial, as they shared their experiences and commitment to sports values,” celebrates the president of CDOS 31.
