A sports court gets the Games look in the 20th arrondissement

"It took us two weeks. It was an exceptional experience!" In the midst of finishing a painting at the entrance to the Eudy-Simelane playground (20th arrondissement), Antonin Decreuse looks back with pride on his work. This street artist - and resident of the arrondissement - is taking advantage of this festive moment to complete a collaborative creation with his friend Michel. "That's the beauty of our art, explains Michel, we started this morning and we'll finish when we like, but we're almost there!"

Perched on the Belleville heights, the physical education ground (TEP) on rue Olivier-Métra (20th arrondissement) has taken on the Paris 2024 Games look thanks to urban art association Hypermur, in collaboration with Paris 2024. It's like any ball court you'd find in Harlem, New York. Buildings overlook the playground, and the sound of bouncing balls blends in with the warm atmosphere of the neighborhood.

In 2022, the TEP Olivier-Métra was renamed Eudy-Simelane, in tribute to the former captain of the South African soccer team who was a victim of a hate crime and murdered in 2008 because of her sexual orientation. Renaud Cousin, director of Hypermur, the association that produced the fresco, talks about the importance of committing to social justice through street art: "Defending LGBTQIA+ rights is an essential part of our values. We didn't hesitate to join the project."

In the following days after the renovation, nothing has really changed, people, young and old are still shooting hoops and scoring goals. Matches go on forever. A continuity that delights Emma, Jasmine and Mamadou, three children from the 20th arrondissement. Aged 15, 17 and 18 respectively, they work for Métrapole, an association that "promotes youth and popular education", as Emma explains.

Impressed by the renovation, the three teenagers make no secret of their delight. "It's a great legacy. I grew up here, I've seen this place change over the years and I'm glad we're being thought of, says Jasmine, we take care of our surroundings and we feel supported. Young and old people alike are going to enjoy it." Mamadou adds: "At the start, it was all a bit hazy, because it's a place that's close to our hearts. We didn't really know what was going to happen and, looking back, I realize how lucky we are to see it being renovated".

Emma still remembers the renaming of TEP Eudy-Simelane. "It's a great sign for girls that this tribute has been paid," says the youngest member of the group, very few girls used to frequent the place… With this renovation, I feel like it could reinforce gender diversity and our inclusion in sport."

As soccer and basketballs fly, the fences resound with noise and neighborhood kids meet up. "Everyone needs to feel legitimate coming here, concludes Mamadou, because these we all share these values. In fact, between now and the end of the month, we're going to organize a soccer tournament between us and other neighborhoods!" Just like the good old days. Rue Olivier-Métra, TEP is changing, but not its habits.