These school Olympics aim to instill Olympic values, promote physical activity, and encourage healthy habits among students. The inauguration took place at the Vallehermoso stadium, with the presence of Madrid's Deputy Mayor, Inma Sanz, and the Delegate Councillor for Sports, Sonia Cea, along with other district councillors.
The mixed-gender competition emphasizes equality and balanced participation. This edition's sports program includes nine disciplines: chess, athletics, badminton, table tennis, basketball, handball, futsal, volleyball, and, as a new addition, hockey. In total, more than 140 teams are participating.
“"The best thing about sports is what you learn without realizing it: to sacrifice to improve and for your team; to respect the rules, the referees, and the opponents; to win and to lose. And that is very good not only for sports, but for life."
The opening ceremony, designed as a recreation of the Olympic Games, included a parade of delegations from the 21 districts. It also featured prominent athletes such as Maribel Blanco, Inés Paterna Benito, and Marco Plazuelo, who carried the Olympic torch as symbols of overcoming challenges and commitment to sports values.
After the lighting of the cauldron, the inaugural ceremony concluded with the flag-raising and the Olympic oath, reinforcing the principles of friendship, respect, excellence, equality, and fair play. During the event, the district of Villaverde received recognition for having won the most medals in the previous season.
The Escoladas will continue with four additional sessions on May 9, 10, 23, and 30. The finals and closing ceremony, along with the medal presentation, will be held on June 6 at the Aluche Municipal Sports Center. This event solidifies its position as a fundamental pillar of the municipal sports calendar, alongside the Municipal Sports Games and the Spring Cups, reaffirming the Madrid City Council's commitment to comprehensive education and the promotion of sports from an early age.
