The city of Nice hosts the installation of the first “Jeu Bouge +”, a giant board game designed to encourage physical activity and health education. This project, led by the Azur Sport Santé association, could become a European initiative by 2025. A look back at an innovation transforming public spaces into a playground for young and old.
The Jeu Bouge + is more than just a simple board game. Recently installed at Square Colonel Jean-Pierre in Nice, it encourages residents to move while becoming informed. Topics covered include nutrition, hygiene, and physical activity, which are essential for health. This device, designed by Azur Sport Santé, was born thanks to the European project “Best Making in Sport”. The project aims to redesign public spaces to make them conducive to physical activity.
This game was created to address a public health issue and combat inactivity. The concept is simple: with each dice roll, players advance on a board and must complete physical challenges or answer health questions.
An evolution since 2017 and a digital version in 2024
The project began in 2017 with initial versions in the form of transportable tarps. Thanks to donations and feedback, the game quickly evolved, notably with the addition of questions and exercises. In 2020, the team envisaged a digital version to make the experience more interactive, resulting in a first digital version in 2024.
Participants can play via an application, providing access to game options suitable for all ages and activity levels. Indeed, the game offers different levels for children under seven, teenagers, and several difficulty levels for adults, including seniors.
An inclusive experience adaptable to all ages
Designed to be accessible to all, the “Jeu Bouge +” adapts to the needs of each player. Specific exercises are planned for children, adults, and seniors, with particular attention to people with physical limitations. The game offers two modes: an educational mode that combines physical exercises and health questions, and an active mode focusing on physical challenges such as cardio, muscle strengthening, and balance.
In addition to being able to play individually on one’s phone, the game allows an instructor to manage up to 8 participants (or 16 in pairs) through a single interface. This makes it ideal for group activities, whether in recreation centers, schools, or family settings.
The first public space game in Nice
The installation at Square Colonel Jean-Pierre is a first. The board is now permanent, unlike the previously used 25 m² tarps. It is accessible at any time. This arrangement is designed so as not to disrupt the public space while remaining permanently available.
The AnimaNice center at Bon Voyage has installed a second board that will be inaugurated on September 25, 2024. The 35 m² board was inspired by the nearby mountains. Each installation is unique and adapted to the environment.
A project funded by Europe and in the process of expansion
The European Commission funded this innovative project with a budget of €3,000 per board for design, painting, and materials. Azur Sport Santé hopes that this initiative will develop on a European scale. By 2025, several countries, including Serbia, Greece, Bulgaria, Malta, and other regions of France, plan to install the boards.
