More than 400 people at the Olympics, a day of sport and culture dedicated to children

In a car park near the Halles de la Paillade, Montpellier, basketball, handball, rollerblading, cycling, archery, and many other sports took place. To accompany them, reading stands, creative activities and different games that encourage reflection. The “Olympaillades” were making a comeback, Wednesday May 6, 2026 an initiative to introduce children to a multitude of sports as well as different cultural aspects.

MHB Endowment Fund

Usually organized by the iPEICC, the MHB Endowment Fund came to provide support for this third edition. This helped to strengthen the presence of sport for the event in order to “to bring sport to children and especially those they don’t know”confided Laurent Luigi, head of CSR mission of the MHB endowment fund, to Métropolitain.Â

Useful gifts

To encourage children to take an interest in everything that is offered to them, a simple and effective way has been put in place. A small form can be collected at reception; it must be filled out with a sticker specific to each stand. Once filled, it rewards the curiosity of young shoots, with some useful gifts: medals, water bottles, snacks, etc…

Young people discovering

If the more popular sports like handball or volleyball quickly attracted people, others, like roller skating, immediately aroused the interest and desire of young people. This was the case for Dounia, 9 years old, accompanied by her mother. “I’m discovering gymnastics a little but what makes me want the most is roller skatingâ€she admitted shyly.

Another mother watches her son, brimming with energy, having fun at the handball workshop. “He used to play football, but he is also interested in other sports.”she explained. She also added that “This day is a good initiative to help children discover things.”. 

Sport, but not only…

In addition to the discovery of sporting activities, the Hérault Departmental Olympic and Sports Committee is keen to convey important values during this day. Their stand raises awareness among young people of themes such as ecology, healthy living and feminismall in a fun form. Children can play card games with female sports figures as well as a workshop on the decomposition of different wastes.

But the Olympics are not just about sport. He is essential to interest the youngest in cultural activities. This is what Nezha, founder of the Esprit Libre association, who has participated in the event since the first edition, strives to do. “Families are often looking for outdoor activities. Our objective is to take children away from the screen, particularly in public spaces, through books and collective readings.”she confided. Behind her were several rugs, strewn with books opened by a few curious children.

This third edition was a success, with 260 children and 150 adults came to attend the Olympics. An event very appreciated by the inhabitants of the district, but which also attracts people from all over the metropolis.

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