The objective is to promote physical activity and a healthy and balanced diet among children aged 6 to 12 in the Canton. The association provides the “project leaders” with the concept and the materials (a nutritional booklet per child, “the passport”, posters of the food pyramid, fruits and vegetables offered by the Union Maraîchère Genevoise).

The program takes place over 8 weeks of training (1 session per week, lasting 1 hour to 1.5 hours outside of school time), in a fixed location communicated to the parents in advance (school yard, park, stadium, etc.) within the framework of after-school programs or community activities.

The sessions are organized by “project leaders” who are usually either teachers from the school or parents from the school’s parent association. If no school or parent association in a community decides to run a project, then it is possible for the community to organize the sessions.

Upon request to the secretariat of the association santescalade, a specialist in sports or dietetics can assist the project manager (municipalities only) at each session. During each session, the main principles of a healthy diet as well as exercises to prepare for running are explained to the children and each young person is given a “santescalade passport”.

The sessions, in addition to encouraging children to eat a balanced diet and get enough exercise, prepare them for the Course de l’Escalade during the eight weeks leading up to the Race. For the children, regular participation in the sessions is rewarded by a registration fee divided by half for the Course de l’Escalade and a “santescalade gift” at the santescalade stand on the weekend of the Race.