Abandonment of the generalization of two additional hours of sport in middle school: the French star of the Olympic Games, Léon Marchand mocks this decision

2024-11-14 16:44:00

Quadruple Olympic champion Léon Marchand denounced Thursday the government’s about-face after abandoning the generalization of two additional hours of weekly sport in college, by posting a clown’s face on X and linking to an article on the subject.

Sometimes a symbol is enough: Thursday morning, the swimmer didn’t write a word. He simply posted a clown face emoji to accompany an article from The Team on the decision of the Ministry of National Education.

On the account of the star of the Olympic Games, this clown is juxtaposed with a photo of Emmanuel Macron with children, which illustrated the article.

Anne Genetet responded to him a few hours later on X. “Dear Léon Marchand, we are not abandoning this ambition, on the contrary: we are adapting it to make it more effective. Fairer”she tweeted.

“More fair for the working classes: sports practice at school is now reinforced and targeted at priority education establishments, where students practice the least sport due to lack of means. We support those who need it the most “she added.

“Making France a sporting nation”

In the run-up to the Paris Olympic and Paralympic Games, two measures have been launched in recent years at schools to help “make France a sporting nation” and fight against physical inactivity and a sedentary lifestyle among the youngest.

It was about “30 minutes of daily physical activity“from CP to CM2, generalized in 2022, and “two hours of additional sports for middle school students” (2HSC) tested for more than two years and extended to 700 middle schools last school year with the aim of being generalized in three years to come. These two additional hours of sport have been extended to the start of the 2024 school year in priority education zones (around 1,100 middle schools).

But the generalization of the system intended for middle school students was abandoned by National Education, the ministry explaining that it was not “not sustainable” in a circular published last week in the Official Bulletin of National Education.

This device, which “demonstrated the relevance of the measure for middle school students far from regular practice”, is however “still perceived as complex to implement” and will be “refocused only on priority education establishments”specified the ministry.

Thursday, table tennis player Simon Gauzy, team bronze medalist at the Olympics with the Lebrun brothers this summer, imitated Léon Marchand, but this time with three emojis of a person holding his hand to his face, a sign of disappointment or spite after the government decision.

In a report published at the end of September, the Senate also drew up a critical assessment of the “30 minutes of daily physical activity” (APQ) system at school, considering that its implementation was “piecemeal” and calling for it ” breathe new life.”

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What are ⁣the implications of ​the French government’s decision to ‍rethink the additional hours of sports in middle schools for youth health and development?

‍ **Interview with‌ Léon ​Marchand on Government’s Sports Policy Shift**

**Editor:** Today, we have⁢ the honor of speaking with Léon ‌Marchand,⁢ quadruple Olympic champion and advocate for‌ youth sports. Léon, thank​ you for ⁢joining ​us.

**Léon Marchand:** Thank you for having me.

**Editor:**⁤ You recently made quite a statement ⁢on social media regarding the French government’s decision to abandon the generalization of two additional hours of weekly sports in⁢ middle schools. Can⁢ you ‌walk us through your thoughts on this?

**Léon ⁣Marchand:** Sure. ⁢When⁢ I first heard about ‌the backtrack on the two additional hours of sports, it was disheartening. My post with⁤ the clown emoji wasn’t just for humor; it​ reflects my frustration with a decision that I believe undermines the importance‍ of physical ​education in our ⁢schools. Sports are essential for the health and development of⁤ our youth, especially as we‌ approach the Olympic Games in ‍Paris.

**Editor:** You received a response from Anne⁢ Genetet, who explained that the government is adapting ‌its ​approach ⁤to make sports more​ accessible, particularly for⁤ students in priority education areas. What are your thoughts on this?

**Léon Marchand:** I respect the intention to adapt, but it ‍raises questions about‍ the effectiveness of⁤ only reinforcing programs in specific areas. Every student, regardless of their background, deserves equal access to sports. The idea that we should only cater to ⁤some while leaving others behind doesn’t sit right ⁤with me. Sports should be universal in schools.

**Editor:** As ​a prominent athlete and⁣ role model, how do you​ envision ‌an ideal sports program in schools‍ that addresses these disparities?

**Léon Marchand:** An ideal program would ensure that⁢ every student has access to daily physical activity, regardless of their socio-economic status. It should be a ‌holistic ⁢approach that fosters not just physical fitness but⁣ also teamwork and ⁤discipline. ​Programs should be well-funded and comprehensive, allowing all students to experience⁤ the joy of ‌sports.

**Editor:** There’s a significant push to “make France a sporting nation,” especially with‌ the upcoming Olympic games. How do you think the government can⁣ better engage athletes like yourself in shaping these initiatives?

**Léon Marchand:** Engaging athletes ⁢in policy discussions is ⁣crucial. We bring firsthand experience of what young athletes need to thrive. Collaborating with⁣ us can bridge the gap between policy and practice. We can ‌help shape initiatives that truly resonate with young people‌ and inspire them to be active.

**Editor:** Lastly, what message do you want to convey to the‌ youth of France regarding sports and physical education?

**Léon Marchand:** I‌ want to tell them ⁣that sports can change your life. It builds‍ confidence, teaches valuable life skills, and most importantly,⁣ it’s‍ fun! I encourage every student in‍ France to embrace sports and stay ‍active, regardless of ⁤the challenges they may face. Your health and ‍happiness are worth it.

**Editor:** Thank‌ you so ​much for your insights, Léon. We appreciate your passion for sports ⁣and advocacy ‌for youth participation.

**Léon Marchand:** ⁢Thank you! It’s my pleasure.