10 July 2025 – Bois d’Arcy, France — On 10 July, the Bois d’Arcy Penitentiary Centre hosted a GWMD event, marking the final event in this summer’s series in France. For two hours, the usual routines of prison life gave way to laughter, play and meaningful connection, as 12 imprisoned fathers spent precious time with their 23 children.
A traditional GWMD football match kicked off the event, with children playing side by side with their parents. At the end of the game, each child received a miniature European Champion Cup, signed by their dad. As always with GWMD: everyone was a winner !
Adding to the festive atmosphere was Johnny Moon, a performer from La Compagnie Eclectic, whose mix of clowning, music and balance tricks drew smiles and giggles from families across the yard.
The afternoon also featured a drawing table and a snack bar, turning a short visit into a shared experience — something rare in most prison environments.
One of the standout moments came from Collectif Georges Lakhdar, who presented a vertical dance performance and then invited families to try it for themselves. With ropes and harnesses securely in place, children and parents moved gently against the prison walls, transforming a space often associated with confinement into one of creativity and fun.
(© REP IDF)
Looking ahead: keeping up the momentum in France
This summer’s GWMD events — in Paris, Fresnes, Réau and now Bois d’Arcy — reflect growing momentum in France around creating child-friendly spaces within the prison system. These events are part of a wider European effort to ensure children with a parent in prison are recognised, supported and given meaningful opportunities to maintain a bond with their imprisoned parent.
In France, where tens of thousands of children are affected by parental imprisonment each year, initiatives like GWMD are not just welcome — they’re urgently needed. They offer a chance to bring visibility to this group of children, while helping prisons shift towards more human-centred, family-aware practices.
As interest builds, more GWMD events are expected across France later in the year, with the aim to make these events not isolated exceptions, but a regular part of prison life where the child’s needs are front and centre.
Read more about all the games that took place in France here.
