Description
40 years of shared passion for sport
40 years! On September 5 and 6, 2026, the Sports Festival will celebrate four decades of promoting physical activity and sharing in Montauban.
It all began in 1986, driven by Michel Marty—then president of OMEPS (Municipal Office for Physical Education and Sports)—and local clubs (volleyball, USM rugby, weightlifting, and karate), all convinced that a sports-focused event belonged in the Montauban landscape. Since then, support from clubs and the public has steadily grown for this event, which brings sporting values to life in Montauban.
Over the past 40 years, the event has expanded from around twenty participating clubs at its inception to 80 today, and has been held at various locations: the Fobio sports complex, the Esplanade des Fontaines, and finally the Cours Foucault. Over the last decade, numerous partners have joined the initiative; a health zone was introduced five years ago, and a food area now allows both exhibitors and visitors to grab a bite to eat.
40 Years of Commitment from the City
Since its inception, the Sports Festival has benefited from the City's strong and unwavering commitment. Each year, the municipality mobilizes logistical and human resources and covers part of the costs through grants. This long-standing partnership between the local authority and the community sports sector is a cornerstone of the event's success and longevity.
The Sports Festival in Numbers
- 80 exhibiting clubs
- Around ten partners
- 200 volunteers
- Over 10,000 visitors over the weekend
40 Years of Shared Passion for Sport
40 years! On September 5 and 6, 2026, the Sports Festival will celebrate four decades of promoting physical activity and community spirit in Montauban. It all began in 1986, driven by Michel Marty—then president of OMEPS (Municipal Office for Physical Education and Sports)—and local clubs (volleyball, USM rugby, weightlifting, and karate), all convinced that a sports-focused event would be a perfect fit for the Montauban community. Since then, support from clubs and the public has steadily grown for this event, which brings sporting values to life in Montauban.
Over the past 40 years, the event has expanded from around twenty participating clubs in its inaugural year to 80 today, and has been held at various locations: the Fobio sports complex, the Esplanade des Fontaines, and finally the Cours Foucault. Over the last decade, numerous partners have joined the initiative; a health zone was introduced five years ago, and a food area now allows both exhibitors and visitors to grab a bite to eat.
40 Years of Commitment from the City
Since its inception, the Sports Festival has benefited from the City's strong and unwavering commitment. Each year, the Town Hall mobilizes logistical and human resources and covers part of the costs through grants. This long-standing partnership between the local authority and the community sports sector is a cornerstone of the event's success and longevity.
The Sports Festival in Numbers
- 80 exhibiting clubs
- Around ten partners
- 200 volunteers
- Over 10,000 visitors over the weekend
40th Anniversary Highlights
To mark this milestone, OMEPS has invited the Sports Festival's founders—as well as those who have worked to ensure its continued success—to the opening ceremony on Saturday, September 5, where they will be honored. On Sunday, September 6, at noon, a special event open to everyone will be held, featuring food trucks and music from *bandas*.
