Celebrating Olympic Day: A Tribute to Franco-British Sporting Legacy

June 23rd marks Olympic Day, a global celebration of the modern Olympic movement, founded in 1894. More than a commemoration of sport, Olympic Day reminds us of the power of friendly competition to bring people and nations together in a spirit of solidarity.

It is in this same spirit that the Entente Cordiale Day Association will host its inaugural Alumni Meeting, under the theme: "Olympics and Paralympics London 2012 and Paris 2024: History, Vision, and Legacy."

On this important day, we want to honour and celebrate the Franco-British sporting legacy as well as the figures who, to use the slogan of the London Games, have been able to 'inspire a generation'.

Spotlight on Franco-British Sporting Legacy

Historically, leaders from both the United Kingdom and France have recognised sport as a platform for inclusivity, dignity, and social progress, values deeply aligned with the spirit of Entente Cordiale Day. In fact, the Olympics have long been connected to figures whose positive impact on Franco-British relations is celebrated by the Entente Cordiale Day and commemorated by its Entente Cordiale Day Prizes, awarded to the top-performing teams of the Entente Cordiale Day Challenge and named after such figures.

Each year, the second-place and third-place teams on the British side are awarded the Queen Elizabeth II Prize and the Sir Winston Churchill Prize, respectively. Queen Elizabeth II is well-known for her lifelong connection to sport, from horse racing and presenting the 1966 World Cup trophy to her iconic appearance at the London 2012 opening ceremony. Less well-known, however, is Winston Churchill’s own personal and political engagement with sports. Although you might think that Churchill did not like sports due to an often misattributed “first of all: no sports!” quote, in a recently resurfaced 1924 speech, Churchill championed Olympic participation for all and understood sport as a unifying, character-building force for good. Churchill’s commitment to Olympic values is transmitted through the generous support of his grandson, Lord Soames of Fletching, in organising this event.

Similarly, the second-place and third-place teams on the French side are recognised with the Prix Président Jacques Chirac and the Prix Général Charles de Gaulle. Both Jacques Chirac and Charles de Gaulle saw sport as a tool for national cohesion and pride. In fact, after poor Olympic performances in the 1960s, it was de Gaulle’s effort to invest heavily in inclusive sports infrastructure that allowed for France’s later success, and it is that legacy which shaped Paris 2024’s vision.

'INSPIRE A GENERATION': London 2012 and Paris 2024

'Inspire a Generation' was the slogan of the London 2012 Olympics and Paralympics, with both events creating lasting impacts beyond sports and in the city itself. Not only was London 2012 the first to feature an integrated environmental plan, but the Games also revitalised East London through the creation of new housing, green spaces, sports venues, and rail links. Paris 2024 carried forward this legacy: as in London, the Games stimulated the modernisation of Parisian transport infrastructure and developments within the fields of digital security, accessibility, and sustainable merchandising. With 95% of venues already existing, and events making use of iconic locations like the Seine and the Eiffel Tower, Paris 2024 succeeded in embedding the Olympic spirit into daily urban life.

The Entente Cordiale Day Alumni Meeting

This annual gathering serves as a unique forum for dialogue among Entente Cordiale Day alumni from diverse fields. Held alternately between the UK and France, this year we have the pleasure to gather in the House of Lords under the aegis of Lord Soames of Fletching. The event will centre around the long-lasting impact of the Olympics and Paralympics Games of London 2012 and Paris 2024 and will explore how both cities have influenced the world through arts, finance, architecture, fashion, sustainability, mobility, education, and, of course, sport.

As we celebrate Olympic Day, we invite all our alumni and friends to reflect on how sport unites us and how the Olympic spirit continues to illuminate the best of Franco-British cooperation.