From Olympus to L'Odyssée: the imposed name change that highlights the complexity of creating a sports club

Just a few weeks before the opening of their padel complex in Saint-Folquin, the founders of Olympe Padel They had to completely overhaul their brand identity. Logos, signage, marketing materials, website: everything was ready. However, a request related to protecting the Olympic universe forced them to abandon the name they had chosen several months prior. This situation illustrates the numerous difficulties faced by entrepreneurs, far beyond the simple act of construction.

When launching a project, finding a name is often one of the first steps. It's also one of the most important. Yet, even when the name seems to belong to everyday language, legal obstacles can arise.

This is precisely what the two entrepreneurs behind the future padel complex in Saint-Folquin discovered. As the opening approached, they had to abandon the name Olympus Padel , yet already largely integrated into their communication.

When the law becomes involved in a sports project

For many, the term "Olympus" refers first and foremost to Greek mythology and the famous mountain of the gods. A word deeply rooted in our shared cultural heritage.

But in the field of sport, references to the Olympic universe are subject to special protection in France. French National Olympic and Sports Committee (CNOSF) has specific rights over the signs and names associated with the Olympic movement. Without needing to demonstrate copying or intent to usurp, certain uses can be challenged when they create a connection with the Olympic world.

A legal subtlety that entrepreneurs, associations or organizers of sporting events regularly discover.

Very real consequences for a young company

Behind a name change there is often much more than a simple graphic modification.

In the case of the future Saint-Folquin club, it was necessary to review part of the work already done: visual identity, communication, promotional materials and visibility of the future structure.

These steps represent a financial cost but also a time commitment, which is particularly valuable when an opening is approaching.

This situation is a reminder that even before welcoming their first customers, project leaders have to deal with many constraints: finding funding, administrative authorizations, construction work, insurance, regulations… and sometimes even intellectual property.

The Odyssey Padel, a name that ultimately symbolizes the founders' journey

Rather than accept this decision, the creators chose to turn it into an opportunity. The complex will ultimately be called The Odyssey Padel .

A choice that takes on a particular resonance today. Because an odyssey primarily signifies an adventure fraught with obstacles, twists and turns, and challenges.

A symbol that ultimately reflects the journey of these two young entrepreneurs, supported in particular by the CCI Littoral Hauts-de-France who had to learn the codes of the business world while successfully completing their sporting project.

Six padel courts at the A16 exit

Beyond this change of identity, the project remains unchanged. Located at 1470 route de Gravelines in Saint-Folquin The complex will have six padel courts , clubhouse and a panoramic space allowing spectators to follow the matches.

The establishment will welcome players every day of 9 a.m. to 22 p.m. , with the ambition of becoming a new living space for enthusiasts of paddle from the Opal Coast.

Having overcome its first challenge even before the opening, The Odyssey Padel It finally bears a name that seems to perfectly tell the story of its creation: that of a project that had to change course along the way, but which is nevertheless preparing to reach its destination.

Franck Binisti

Franck Binisti discovered padel at the Club des Pyramides in 2009 in the Paris region. Since then, padel has been part of his life. You often see him touring France to cover major French padel events.