5,000 Children Find Joy Through Sport at Stade de France Event

The parvis of the Stade de France was transformed into a massive multi-sport arena this Wednesday, April 15, 2026, as approximately 5,000 children with disabilities and chronic illnesses gathered for a day designed to “bring back their smiles.” The event, a cornerstone of the Premiers de Cordée association’s mission, provided a rare opportunity for these children to break away from their daily medical routines and experience the thrill of athletic competition and discovery.

For many of the participants, the day was less about competition and more about the sheer possibility of movement. The area surrounding the iconic stadium became a hub of activity, featuring 38 different sporting disciplines. While traditional favorites like football and tennis were central to the festivities, the event also introduced children to less conventional activities, including sailing and surfing, right in the heart of Saint-Denis.

A Legacy of Inclusion: The Rise of Premiers de Cordée

The scale of the event reflects the significant growth of the Premiers de Cordée association. Founded in 1999, the organization began with a focused mission: ensuring that children facing health challenges or disabilities could access the physical and mental benefits of sport. What started as a modest initiative serving 500 children across 15 sports has evolved into a nationwide movement.

A pivotal expansion occurred twelve years ago with the launch of the “Journée Évasion” (Escape Day). These events are designed to take children out of hospital settings and into professional sporting environments. Under the patronage of football star Kylian Mbappé, who has supported the association since 2017, the program has expanded to five annual events held across France, with locations including Rouen, Le Mans, Bordeaux, and Nice.

Star Power and Personal Connections

The presence of professional athletes added an electric atmosphere to the day. Children had the chance to meet and interact with figures such as judoka Audrey Tcheuméo and Ethan Mbappé, the brother of Kylian Mbappé. These interactions often provided the highlights of the day, turning a sports clinic into a series of lifelong memories.

The excitement was palpable among the children, some of whom viewed the athletes as idols. Tom, a participant from the Institut médico-éducatif (IME) de Bel Air in Le Perreux-sur-Marne, expressed his enthusiasm regarding former French national rugby player Maxime Médard. “If he signs my jersey, then that’s it—I’m never washing it!” Tom joked, sparking laughter among the educators accompanying him.

Breaking the Barriers of Daily Care

For the educators and caregivers, the event serves as a critical respite from the limitations of institutional care. Tiphaine, an educator at the IME de Bel Air, highlighted the systemic challenges these children face daily. “It is very key to us to get them out of their daily routine,” she explained. “At the IME, we lack means, time, space… And above all, opportunities to do sports. This kind of day is unique for them.”

The impact was visible in the simple joys experienced by the children throughout the day. For some, it was the novelty of a new sport; for others, it was the physical sensation of movement. “I did cycling, it was great,” said Youness, while Sacha noted that he had discovered tennis for the first time.

As the day concluded, the event reinforced the philosophy of Premiers de Cordée: that sport is not just about physical health, but a vital tool for psychological well-being and social inclusion. By transforming the Stade de France into a playground of accessibility, the association provided 5,000 children with a reminder that their conditions do not define their potential for joy or athletic discovery.

The association continues to grow its footprint across France, ensuring that the “Journée Évasion” remains a recurring highlight for children who spend much of their lives in medical environments.