THE PLACE TO PLAY

In 2023, Westfield became an Official Support of the Olympic and Paralympic Games Paris 2024. Our ambition: to play a part in uniting the people of France around the world’s biggest sporting event, in places that are at the heart of their daily lives. Westfield Forum des Halles and Westfield Les 4 Temps in Ile-de-France, Westfield La Part-Dieu in Lyon and Westfield Euralille in Lille all hosted an official Paris 2024 boutique, becoming major shopping venues for official products of the Olympic and Paralympic Games Paris 2024.

Super-sized playgrounds for sporting activities

Over the past year, we have been determined to spread the energy and vitality of the Games, as well as the values and diversity of sport, at our eight Westfield destinations in the Paris region, Lille and Lyon. Our visitors have been able to share unique sporting, artistic and musical experiences during our “The Place to Play” tour, as these shopping centres created extra-large playgrounds that punctuated the customer journey.

For example, graphics were created at Westfield Parly 2 and Westfield Les 4 Temps to evoke an olympic swimming pool. Markings for basketball courts were painted at Westfield Rosny 2. Athletics tracks were installed at Westfield Carré Sénart, Westfield Euralille and Westfield La Part-Dieu, and at Westfield Forum des Halles a full-size running track with eight lanes stretched out under the vast canopy.

Styled to evoke the "Look of the Games", these designs clearly established our partnership with Paris 2024 while also encouraging visitors to embrace a more physically active lifestyle. The initiative was even presented by the Paris 2024 Organising Committee for the Olympic and Paralympic Games to all its partners as a best practice, and one that contributes to its mission, which is to enhance the role sport plays in the lives of French people, combat sedentary lifestyles and encourage the development of motor skills in the youngest members of the public.

Delivering the thrill of the Games to all

As they encountered the transformation of our centres, visitors could immerse themselves in the rhythm of Paris 2024 and the sheer number sporting activities they encompass. Both as spectators and participants, they were treated to sports, artistic and musical performances, including basketball, BMXing and breaking demonstrations. Westfield Forum des Halles hosted a boxing tournament endorsed by gold medallist Estelle Mossely, with Olympic athletes battling it out in public under the canopy for four days. In addition to these live events, sports challenges were organised to encourage more people to participate in Olympic and Paralympic sports, with the change to win a host of prizes, including tickets to the Paris 2024 competitions.

One highlight of the "The Place to Play" tour was a series of introductions to different sports led by local partners, which helped to raise public awareness of the importance of a variety of sporting activities, while promoting the values at the heart of sport. Visitors of all ages joined in the fun with family and friends.

Dubbed a “Cultural Olympiad”, the "The Place to Play" tour comprised thousands of sporting challenges. Over 3,000 prizes were given out, including 1,000 tickets for Olympic and Paralympic events – among them tickets to the Opening and Closing Ceremonies. In total, it was a huge, fun and positive activation that was completely free for all our visitors to enjoy.

Take a look back at the enthusiasm and energy of the past year…

And now, let the Games begin!