The Golden Age Gym Festival adventure
Organised for the 50+ gymnasts, this festival is conceived to raise awareness among the senior generation of the 50 European Gymnastics National Federation members to the diversity of the physical efforts. Along the festival, physical activities permitting to preserve and find the mobility are organised. A week placed under the sign of friendship, combining gymnastics, physical activities, meetings and cultural discoveries.
Every two years, a new touristic destination is propose, joining the festival to fun. In 2005, the first edition is organised in Maspalomas (Spain), gathering 1 300 people from 20 countries. The first official Golden Age Gym Festival happens in 2008, once again in Maspalomas. In 2026, the event will celebrate its 10th edition in Les Sables d’Olonne.
The main moments
Parade and opening ceremony
All participants will walk with the official clothes during the parade and enjoy the opening ceremony show.
Workshops
The groups participate to workshops which allow them to discover various choreographic and acrobatic activities or practice local sports adapted to seniors.
City performances
Each group presents a show on stages located all around the host city.
Gala and closing ceremony
The host federation will propose a choreography which will permit to every group to participate. All gymnasts can participate to the show built with the city performances choreographies.
The 10th edition
The 10th edition will be organised from 4th to 9th October 2026, in Les Sables d’Olonne, in France.
Dr Farid Gayibov
President of European Gymnastics
June 2025
Dear Gymnastics Friends,
The Atlantic Coast is preparing to warmly welcome the Gymnastics for All family in 2026!
The 10th-anniversary edition of the Golden Age Gym Festival will be held in the beautiful resort city of Les Sables-d’Olonne, from October 4 to 9. This much-anticipated event returns to France after 12 years – its last French edition took place in Toulouse in 2014. There is no doubt that the French Gymnastics Federation and its Local Organizing Committee will embody and showcase the true spirit of this unique festival. In fact, the festival’s philosophy has found a perfect reflection in our everyday lives. The commitment to physical activity, forming new friendships, and maintaining a positive and resilient mindset continues to inspire us all to pursue our dreams and overcome challenges. The participants of the Golden Age Gym Festival consistently prove that age is never a barrier to moving forward and even “moving mountains.” With a year and a half remaining until the start of this splendid event, I wish all participants endless creativity and tireless energy to bring their ideas to life. I am confident that through the joint efforts of the organizers, the Technical Committee, and the European Gymnastics staff, this charming and friendly city will leave unforgettable memories for both participants and local residents alike. I wish all stakeholders the best of luck in their preparations – and in all their endeavors – on the road to October 2026 !
Dominique Mérieux
President of the French Federation of Gymnastics
June 2025
Lead by fundamental values such as respect, commitment, solidarity, excellence, responsibility and pleasure, the French Federation of Gymnastics gathers around 350 000 licensees in 1 390 clubs. Committed in the development and the promotion of the gymnastics in all its possibilities, the FFGym values as much the leisure practice as the research for performance, while emphasizing education, training and health. It is in this spirit that we are pleased to welcome the 10th edition of the Golden Age Gym Festival, in Les Sables d’Olonne, from October 4th to 9th 2026. For the second time in France, after Toulouse in 2014, this edition is organised on the theme of gymnastics, ocean and ecology. It will offer to the participants the opportunity to discover the Atlantic shore, while doing some activities adapted to their physical abilities, in a spirit of health, friendliness and sharing. I want to thank all the teams mobilised for the organization of this event: the services of the FFGym, the local organizing committee, the many volunteers, gathered around Luc Le Roy, president of the Regional Committee Pays de la Loire, the sponsors. Thank you to European Gymnastics too for trusting again. Finally, I would like to salute the investment of the city and the agglomeration of Les Sables d’Olonne for their welcome and their support through the organization. Thanks to their involvement, this festival is going to an exceptional moment. I wish all the participants an unforgettable week, carried by the joy to see each other again, move together and celebrate gymnastics in its whole diversity. May these six days be rich in discovering, shared emotions and moments of complicity. To the organizers, I wish all the success to make this 10th edition a significant and unifying event.
Ricardo Lima
President of the European Gymnastics
Gymnastics For All Technical Committee
June 2025
Dear Friends!
It is with great enthusiasm that we welcome you to the Golden Age Gym Festival 2026, which will take place in the charming city of Les Sables d’Olonne, in France, in October 2026 !
We are very excited to welcome all gymnasts and gymnastics enthusiasts from all over Europe to this special event. Prepare for days full of energy, friendship and incredible performances. Les Sables-d’Olonne, with its coastal beauty and welcoming atmosphere, will be the perfect setting for us to celebrate our passion for gymnastics together. It’s also an opportunity to explore and discover the charms of this French region and to taste the wonderful local traditional cuisine. We can’t wait to welcome you and experience unforgettable moments at the Golden Age Gym Festival! Stay tuned for more information about the program and registration.
See you soon in France! Au revoir
Yannick Moreau
Former Mayor of Les Sables d’Olonne
June 2025
It is with great joy that our town will host the Golden Age Gym Festival in 2026 — a festive and athletic celebration of the vitality of a youth… that lasts just a little longer!
In Les Sables d’Olonne, we offer a lifestyle beloved by seniors, with sea air, open space and heartfelt respect. From the new Arena to Lake Tanchet, the long beach and our modern gymnasiums, the city will set the stage for energy, joy and connection. Dear gymnasts, may this week bring you more than just a program: a discovery, Yannick Moreau a spirit. Welcome home, in a town that celebrates life… and second youth!
Luc Le Roy
President of the Local Organizing Committee
June 2025
Dear gymnasts from the gymnastics clubs of Europe, It is with great pleasure that we host you to Les Sables d’Olonne for the Golden Age Gym Festival 2026. We have chosen to welcome you to this city for its pleasant climate, its invigorating ocean, its splendid beaches and its many curiosities that will amaze you. Les Sables d’Olonne, with its rich historical and cultural heritage, offers an ideal setting for combining well-being, sport and discovery. Whether you are passionate about gymnastics, enjoy picturesque walks or are curious about new experience, our town has everything you need to make your stay unforgettable.
• Sports activities: gym sessions suitable for all levels, beach activities such as yoga classes, aqua gym or even coastal walking and many more.
• Sightseeing tours that will immerse you in our history and culture.
• Wellness: relaxation and meditation sessions, spa treatments and workshops to take care of your body and mind. We have selected comfortable accommodations and restauration that will delight your taste buds with delicious local cuisine.
The Golden Age Gym Festival 2026 in Les Sables d’Olonne promises to be an exceptional event. We are looking forward to sharing moments of joy, sport and discovery with you. Be prepared to experience days filled with energy, conviviality and well-being. Welcome to Les Sables d’Olonne and may this Golden Age Gym Festival 2026 be an unforgettable experience for you.