Sport à l'école : l'EPS, mal-aimée de l'enseignement en France ? • FRANCE 24

Summary

With six months to go until the Paris 2024 Olympics, the French government is pushing for increased physical activity in schools to combat growing sedentary behavior, particularly among youth. Despite measures like the '30 minutes of daily physical activity,' the implementation faces challenges due to lack of resources and support. Top athletes, like sprinter Aodé Iessant, balance rigorous training with personal and professional obligations, highlighting the lack of sufficient state support for high-level athletes. The piece calls for a stronger integration of sports within education, improved infrastructure, and better funding to foster a healthier, more athletic society.

Takeaways

• 😀 The 2024 Paris Olympics are fast approaching, with 15 million visitors expected in the city. Preparations are in full swing, but logistical and security challenges remain as the event is just 6 months away.
• 😀 French President Emmanuel Macron declared 2024 as the 'Year of Sport,' with a focus on increasing physical activity among youth in schools, especially in primary, middle, and high schools.
• 😀 A government initiative, launched in 2020, encourages 30 minutes of daily physical activity in primary schools, aimed at raising awareness of the Paris Olympics and combating increasing childhood sedentary behavior.
• 😀 Top athletes, like Solen Voulette, are involved in this initiative to inspire young students and promote interest in sports, potentially leading to higher engagement in physical activities outside of school.
• 😀 Despite the initiative's positive impact, many schools are not implementing the 30-minute daily physical activity due to lack of time or resources. Some educators argue that it diminishes the cultural value of physical education.
• 😀 The French education system is also seeking additional hours of physical activity in middle schools, but there is a significant shortage of physical education teachers and adequate sports facilities, which hampers the success of these measures.
• 😀 There are approximately 49.6 sports facilities per 10,000 inhabitants in France, with a severe shortage in Parisian regions, which affects the training of young athletes.
• 😀 The sport-study model is gaining traction in some French high schools, providing students with tailored schedules that integrate both academic learning and sports training, offering a better environment for high-level sports development.
• 😀 Former students of these programs, like NBA draftee Bilal Coulibaly, show that the sport-study system can help young athletes progress both academically and athletically, though it requires more widespread adoption.
• 😀 Athletes often face financial struggles, with limited support from the French government and insufficient sponsorships. Many, including the guest athlete, juggle full-time jobs, training, and other commitments to fund their careers.
• 😀 The general lack of support for athletes in France is reflected in their performances, as fewer athletes are able to reach the high levels necessary for international competition. A better system of support, visibility, and sponsorship is needed to reverse this trend.
• 😀 The guest athlete also emphasizes that maternity should not signal the end of an athletic career, advocating for better support structures to help athletes balance their careers and family life.
• 😀 The state of sports in schools remains a critical issue. While recent government measures aim to encourage physical activity, integrating these into a sustainable system will require better collaboration between educators, sports associations, and the Ministry of Education.

Q & A

What are the French government's initiatives to increase physical activity in schools ahead of the Paris 2024 Olympics?

The French government introduced measures such as 30 minutes of daily physical activity for primary school children, aiming to combat growing sedentarism. In addition, they proposed two extra hours of sports at the middle school level, targeting students who are reluctant to engage in sports.

Why is the 30-minute daily physical activity initiative not being universally implemented in French primary schools?

Many schools are unable to implement the 30-minute daily physical activity due to a lack of time, insufficient staff, or resources. The initiative is designed to be done outside regular physical education classes, which further complicates its integration into the school schedule.

What role do high-level athletes play in the government’s 30-minute daily activity program in schools?

High-level athletes, like double European champion Solen Voulette, are involved in the initiative to motivate and engage students. They visit schools to encourage children to get active and raise awareness about the upcoming Paris Olympics, helping to make sports more appealing to students.

What are some of the criticisms from sports unions regarding the physical activity measures in schools?

Sports unions criticize the government's approach, arguing that the 30-minute daily activity initiative lacks a cultural and educational component. They feel it reduces physical activity to mere 'wriggling' rather than fostering a deeper understanding of sports as a social practice.

How does the French school system integrate sports with academics for young athletes?

Some schools offer 'sports-études' programs, allowing students to pursue their athletic ambitions while also maintaining their academic performance. For example, Charles, a basketball player, attends a school with a tailored schedule that accommodates his training sessions alongside his academic work.

What challenges do young athletes face when trying to balance sports with their studies in France?

Young athletes often struggle to balance the demands of both academics and sports due to limited support, lack of local programs, and scheduling conflicts. Many are forced to choose between continuing their education and pursuing sports at a high level.

How do financial and logistical factors affect professional athletes in France?

Professional athletes often face financial difficulties, especially when returning from maternity leave. They must fund their own training, travel, and equipment, as there is minimal state or sponsorship support. This financial strain affects their ability to perform at their best.

What improvements do athletes suggest to support high-level sports careers in France?

Athletes advocate for greater financial support, better visibility, and more sponsorship opportunities. They also call for improved integration between sports and companies, suggesting that businesses should support athletes by offering flexible work hours and facilitating their training and recovery.

How do athletes feel about the French state’s support for their careers, particularly after maternity leave?

Athletes express dissatisfaction with the state’s support, particularly after maternity leave. They often return to competition without sufficient funding or assistance, relying on their personal resources to cover the costs of training, equipment, and travel.

How does the public perception of sports in France affect its integration into the education system?

Sports in France are often undervalued in schools, with physical education sometimes seen as the least important subject. This perception hampers the development of a strong sports culture, which needs to be addressed by increasing investment in infrastructure, recruiting more physical education teachers, and integrating sports more deeply into the educational system.