To take an original approach to this vast theme of sport and science, we have brought together the exhibition "Sports events organised for the benefit of scientific laboratories in 1923", produced by the EPCC Terre de Louis Pasteur, and the exhibition "Science and Sport, a winning duo" produced by the Ecole des Ponts Paris Tech.
On the eve of the Paris 2024 Olympic and Paralympic Games, we wanted to show visitors a parallel between sport in the past and sport today, by measuring the evolution of practices and issues linked to sport.
The "Sports events organised for the benefit of scientific laboratories in 1923" exhibition takes us back 100 years, to the eve of the 1924 Paris Olympic Games, which were the first to be held in Paris, by presenting the history of sport in the inter-war period: physical education and sports hygiene, the involvement of doctors in the creation of sports clubs and grounds, sport and women and the development of broadcasting. On "Pasteur Day", 27 May 1923, a major fund-raising campaign was organised for the benefit of scientific laboratories. The organisation of sporting events helped to raise French people's awareness of scientific issues. The democratisation of sport continued to grow, and it also became an issue in international relations.
The "Science and Sport, a winning duo" exhibition shows us how centuries of competition have led athletes to (near) optimal solutions: how to run or swim the fastest, how to jump the highest, how to throw the farthest, and so on. Why aren't the biggest animals the fastest? Is there an optimal arm angle for winning at arm wrestling? How can I optimise my squat jump to perform better?
Last but not least, visitors will be able to take part in a range of simple, fun challenges linked to sporting activities: a balancing act, arm-wrestling, ball-throwing in a wheelchair... It's up to you!