The Vendée had great ambitions for the Paris 2024 Olympic Games. The departmental Olympic committee had invited the Brazilian football team, considered the favorite, to establish its training camp in the department.
Les Sables-d’Olonne, with its quality sports facilities, seemed ideally placed to welcome the five-time Olympic champions. A significant advantage was that the Auriverde staff had already enjoyed their time in the region during the Montaigu tournament in 2022. Accommodation in the charming village of Talmont-Saint-Hilaire, grounds of the La Rudelière stadium: everything was ready for the dream come true.
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But disillusionment arrived in February with the surprise elimination of Brazil in qualifying. The Vendée had to give up its ambition to welcome the most prestigious delegation and take advantage of the ripple effect that such an exhibition could have provided.
Although the application was not accepted, the Vendée department nevertheless showed its desire and its capabilities to host major sporting events. A promising attempt despite a cruel outcome for local football fans.
