Montauban, France – The spirit of the Olympic and Paralympic Games is alive and well in the Tarn-et-Garonne department as the Centre Universitaire de Tarn-et-Garonne hosts the Semaine Olympique et Paralympique (SOP) from March 30th to April 1st, 2026. This event, designed to extend the excitement of Paris 2024, offers students and the wider community a chance to engage with Olympic disciplines and the values of sportsmanship and citizenship.
The third edition of the Semaine Olympique et Paralympique is taking place on the campus in Montauban, with the “Terre de Jeux” flag proudly displayed. The event’s theme centers on “citizen, volunteer and sporting engagement,” according to Marlène Canetti, director of sports for the departmental council. While primarily aimed at students from the Centre Universitaire de Tarn-et-Garonne, the SOP likewise welcomes participation from local college students, child welfare organizations, and specialized educators.
Building on the success of the 2023 event, organizers are hoping for another strong turnout. The Semaine Olympique et Paralympique isn’t limited to just the university community; it’s open to the public, with a focus on engaging residents throughout the Tarn-et-Garonne department. To achieve this, organizers are setting up a variety of sporting equipment, including biathlon targets, pickleball courts, and badminton nets.
The initiative is a collaborative effort, spearheaded by the department, with support from the departmental and sports committee of Tarn-et-Garonne, alongside the handisport committee. Local clubs are also contributing, with the tennis club providing pickleball equipment, the handisport committee supplying wheelchairs, and the rowing club lending ergometers. This collaborative approach underscores the community-wide commitment to fostering a love of sport.
A Competitive Spirit: Aiming for Gold
The SOP isn’t just about participation; it’s also about competition. A medal ceremony is scheduled for April 1st at 1:00 PM on the university campus. Approximately 400 students are expected to participate in events organized by the department, including parabiathlon and rowing competitions. The goal for these student-athletes is to achieve the fastest times in their respective disciplines, mirroring the pursuit of excellence seen at the Olympic Games.
The broader aim of the Semaine Olympique et Paralympique, and the “Terre de Jeux” designation awarded to Tarn-et-Garonne, is to extend the impact of the Paris 2024 Games beyond the capital and beyond the event itself. Montauban previously hosted Olympic athletes in 2024, which helped secure the department’s “Terre de Jeux” status and its inclusion in the SOP program. As Canetti stated, the goal is to “build the Paris Games resonate beyond the capital and beyond 2024.”
The “Terre de Jeux” classification allows the department to host events that promote Olympic and Paralympic sports. This year’s SOP is a prime example of that commitment, offering a unique opportunity for students and community members to experience the thrill of competition and the values of the Olympic movement. The event serves as a powerful reminder that the spirit of the Games extends far beyond the stadiums of Paris, reaching communities across France and inspiring a new generation of athletes and sports enthusiasts.
The Semaine Olympique et Paralympique in Montauban is more than just a sporting event; it’s a celebration of community, engagement, and the enduring legacy of the Olympic and Paralympic ideals. It’s a chance to keep the flame of Paris 2024 burning bright in the Tarn-et-Garonne department and beyond.
