For several years now, the Roland-Garros tournament has made a concerted effort to be as inclusive and as philanthropic as possible. At the 2024 tournament, a number of actions have been put in place to make the Parisian Grand Slam an event that brings all types of people together.
©FFTTake a look at the initiatives rolled out at Roland-Garros in 2024!
Ever more inclusive ticketing
For the third year in a row, the French Tennis Federation – thanks to the support of its official sponsor BNP Paribas – is offering discounted tickets for spectators aged under 25. For just €12, they can come and spend an unforgettable day at Roland-Garros. In 2024, 24% of all tickets for Roland-Garros are accessible, with 85,000 tickets priced under €25. What is more, during Opening Week, 3,300 tickets will be gifted to charities connected with the FFT and its partners.
Head to the “Tribune Solidaire”
After the success of the “Match Solidaire” organised in 2023, the FFT – in partnership with BNP Paribas – is launching the “Tribune Solidaire” in 2024. This new initiative gives tickets for Philippe-Chatrier court to various charity organisations. In total, 500 tickets will be gifted!
Yannick Noah Day (25th May)
Created in 1977 and renamed last year to celebrate the 40th anniversary of Yannick Noah’s victory at Roland-Garros, the traditional charity day or children’s day will take place on 25th May. Featuring lively entertainment, exhibition matches and practice sessions, this charity event is the perfect opportunity to spend a day out with all the family, and all for a special price of €20. Like at previous editions, the proceeds from this day (€201,000 in 2023) will be used to:
©Clément Mahoudeau / FFTPride Day
For the second year running, Roland-Garros will celebrate Pride Day on 7th June, with special entertainment rolled out on Philippe-Chatrier court, in the stadium grounds and on social media.
Spotlight on wheelchair tennis
On 8th June, wheelchair tennis – whose singles draws went from 12 to 16 participants in 2023 – will take to the spotlight when one of the singles finals is played on Philippe-Chatrier court. Actions will be rolled out to raise awareness from 7th to 9th June, as part of the “Inclusive tennis weekend”, whose aim is to promote the different types of inclusive tennis: wheelchair tennis, deaf tennis, blind tennis and adaptive tennis.
This year, the “Dream entrance” operation on Philippe-Chatrier court will treat young, registered players with a disability to a unique experience alongside the world’s greatest tennis stars.
Final, after the US Open, Roland-Garros is the second Grand Slam tournament to include a junior wheelchair tennis competition. For the first time on the clay at the Porte d’Auteuil, four girls and four boys will compete in the tournament, which is scheduled on 6th and 7th June.
©Nicolas Gouhier / FFTDonated sports equipment
Thanks to the charity boxes set up in the locker rooms, this year the players will once again have the opportunity to donate any unwanted sports equipment to people who do not have access to sport. The ballkids are also invited to contribute, and the equipment is collected at the end of the tournament by the Emmaüs Solidarité charity.
©Johan Sonnet / FFTIncreased accessibility
With the aim of making the tournament ever more accessible, the Sound for All initiative will be renewed in 2024. This high-quality, easy-to-access audio immersion tool will be available from the men’s and women’s singles semi-finals onwards. Originally designed for spectators with a visual impairment, this system is now available to everyone. It broadcasts the sounds from the court along with a running commentary plus “left-right” sound effects, using an audio transmission system that can be accessed with a smartphone and earphones.
For visitors who need a break from the hustle and bustle of the stadium, a quiet room will be set up by entrance C22 of Philippe-Chatrier court.
Finally, like at every edition since 2012, associations representing people with disabilities will be invited to attend an accessibility consultation day during the tournament in order to ensure that the facilities are suitable and functional, as well as suggesting new ways in which to improve how people with disabilities are welcomed at the tournament. This consultation day, which is much appreciated by our partners, highlights the efforts made by the Federation to make Roland-Garros a shining example in terms of accessibility.
©Johan Sonnet / FFT
ROLAND-GARROS
20 May - 9 June 2024
©Pauline Ballet / FFT