Basketball is, by definition, one of the most popular sports—capable of creating community and culture around it, taking root in the suburbs of major cities, and naturally fostering inclusion and togetherness.

BKT AND SKWEEK: A NEW PLAYGROUND IN THE HEART OF ALFORTVILLE

On June 27, Balkrishna Industries Ltd – leading Off-Highway tire manufacturer, better known as BKT – inaugurated its first playground in France, in the suburbs of Paris. Together with strategic partner SKWEEK, an internationally recognized community in the basketball world, BKT hosted an afternoon of celebration and play for the children of the local US Alfortville Basketball Club.

The renovated court is located in Alfortville, 10 km south of central Paris. This municipality is known for its working-class roots and strong multicultural identity, a place where basketball is deeply embedded in the social fabric.

FROM THE STREETS TO THE GLOBAL STAGE

Alfortville has long been a talent hotbed. French national team stars like Evan Fournier (Olympiacos) and Nolan Traoré—recently selected 19th overall by the Brooklyn Nets in the NBA Draft—took their first steps on these very courts. The court’s design, a stunning piece of urban art, was created by Karim Le H, the visionary behind the famous Quai 54 sanctuary.

The inauguration was attended by the mayor of Alfortville, Leo Cavalière, and Lucia Salmaso, Managing Director of BKT Europe, who highlighted the project’s impact: “Revitalizing a playground like this means giving back a meaningful space to the entire community. At BKT, we see this project as a catalyst for long-term change, offering young people a safe and inspiring environment to grow, dream, and embrace the core values of respect, inclusion, and dedication.”

A SHARED MISSION ACROSS EUROPE

Community is the keyword in all of BKT’s redevelopment projects across Europe—from football in Italy to rugby in the UK, and through the basketball capitals of the EuroLeague, of which BKT is a Premium Partner. These projects share one vision: to improve the lives of local communities and empower the younger generations through the power of sport.