Promoting physical activity among young people and reducing sedentary behavior are priority objectives of Santé publique France’s nutrition and physical activity program, given the rising number of children who do not meet physical activity recommendations and the goal of combating childhood obesity set forth in the National Health Strategy.

To support the implementation of local projects aimed at increasing physical activity and reducing sedentary behavior, Santé publique France drew on the Icaps study (Intervention among middle school students focused on physical activity and sedentary behavior). This intervention, recognized as effective by the WHO in 2009, is part of a so-called socio-ecological approach that takes three areas into account: the young person, their social support, and the physical and organizational environment.

Following an initial rollout phase across 15 pilot sites, Santé publique France selected, through a call for applications, the Léo Lagrange Socio-Cultural and Sports Center in Colombelles as the National Center for the Promotion of Physical Activity and the Fight Against Sedentary Lifestyles (CND AP/S) in March 2019 for a four-year term. The center is responsible for supporting the implementation of projects to promote physical activity among children and youth in the region, using the ICAPS approach.