The Foulées de la Liberté and its 4,000 children open the festivities for a weekend of sport and conviviality. Organized in conjunction with Caen's Sports Department, the event brings together 4,000 children from Caen's schools.

Every year, these thousands of children honor an association through their participation. In 2026, the children will be taking part to benefit the association Les Fées Papillons a regional association for sick children. It supports children made vulnerable by illness and their families, but also raises awareness of bone marrow donation, blood donation and platelet donation. The association also works with the onco-hematology department of Caen University Hospital and the pediatric departments of outlying hospitals.