The Lacoste Foundation, in collaboration with Sport dans la Ville, supported Festival 24. This international solidarity event celebrates youth through sports. It ran from July 19 to 28, 2024, just before the Paris Summer Games.
More than 500 young people from 36 countries participated. They represented 63 delegations, including non-profits such as Tibu from Morocco and Gol de Letra from Brazil.
Other organizations included City Parks from the United States, Academia Dos Champs from Portugal, and Rheinflanke from Germany.
The event took place in Lyon and Paris. It featured ten days of activities that combined sports, sightseeing, and cultural exchanges. Participants experienced France’s rich heritage and love for sports.
Teenagers from various delegations shared their excitement. A young Brazilian participant described the event as feeling “like a giant family.” Similarly, a woman from Marseille appreciated meeting people from all over the world.
The program included iconic sightseeing tours in both host cities. Participants explored Lyon and Paris while bonding with peers from diverse backgrounds.
These experiences encouraged cross-cultural dialogue and understanding.
Sports played a central role throughout Festival 24. Young people engaged in training sessions designed to improve skills and teamwork. Fun competitions helped build camaraderie while reinforcing the importance of sportsmanship.
For many, the highlight was attending the opening ceremony of the Summer Games. Witnessing this historic event left participants in awe, marking a memorable conclusion to their extraordinary journey.
Volunteers also played a significant role in making Festival 24 a success. Around 200 individuals worked tirelessly to guide and support the young attendees.
The festival created opportunities for life-changing connections. Participants exchanged ideas, shared stories, and formed friendships that transcended borders.
Jonathan Gamberg, a supervisor with the City Parks delegation, praised the event.
He called it “a once-in-a-lifetime experience” and thanked the Lacoste Foundation for its support.
His words captured the sentiments of many participants and organizers.
Moreover, the festival emphasized the power of sports in bringing people together. Sports became a medium for learning, growth, and collaboration. It inspired young people to embrace diversity and develop new perspectives.
In addition to the festivities, an institutional forum occurred during the event. The Minister of Sports addressed attendees, focusing on sports’ societal value.
This discussion highlighted how sports can positively shape communities and individuals.
Catherine Spindler, Deputy CEO of Lacoste, also spoke at the forum. She outlined the Lacoste Foundation’s commitments to youth development and presented insights into the foundation’s mentoring initiatives, known as the Committed Crocodiles programs.
These programs aim to empower young people through guidance and opportunity. Festival 24 served as an extension of these efforts, bringing them to an international stage.
The festival’s design ensured a blend of fun and education. While participants enjoyed sightseeing and sports, they also learned valuable life skills. They returned home with memories and lessons that will influence their futures.
One participant expressed a newfound motivation to travel and explore the world, while another admired the chance to communicate with people from different cultures. These testimonials reflected the event’s ability to inspire and transform lives.
The Lacoste Foundation’s role was pivotal in making Festival 24 possible. Its partnership with Sport dans la Ville allowed the event to reach a global audience.
Together, they showcased how corporate and non-profit collaboration can drive meaningful change.
Festival 24 left a legacy for everyone involved. It celebrated unity, diversity, and the transformative power of sports. The event will likely inspire similar initiatives in the future, fostering more opportunities for young people.
This remarkable celebration brought together people from all over the world. It demonstrated that sports can create a shared language of connection and understanding.
Festival 24 will remain a shining example of international solidarity.