The NBA is assisting people with disabilities in Parisian gyms

"They're so happy to be here and they give it their all", says Éric, a fitness trainer at the Paul-Meurice gymnasium (20th arrondissement). In a similar atmosphere to that of a match, Éric supervises a group of teenagers shooting hoops. "They want to do well," adds the 22-year-old.

Wearing gray Cleveland Cavaliers T-shirts, a hundred or so people with motor or mental disabilities play basketball. This exceptional workshop, hosted by the NBA, brings several medical-social establishments and services from Paris and the Ile-de-France region together.

The event coincided with the arrival of the Cleveland Cavaliers who take on the Brooklyn Nets on January 11th at the Accor Arena (12th) for the NBA Paris Game 2024.

Following in the footsteps of the Detroit Pistons and the Chicago Bulls last year, the Cavs are making the most of their visit to the capital. This year, it's the "Bouge et partage" (move and share) scheme that will benefit from their visit. "Like Paris, our franchise is very committed to inclusivity," explains Cleveland Cavaliers arena host Ahmaad Crump, "we're proud to encourage every effort made in this direction." A donation of 10,000 euros was made by the club in support of the scheme. The funds will be used to purchase wheelchairs for the program.

Orange balls litter the parquet floor, bouncing around all over the place. It's like game day: tunes blare out, players get busy and every so often, a swoosh can be heard as a ball makes it through a hoop. In his corner, Simaga hones his dribbling skills. "It's a great event," says the 48-year-old from the APF medical-social support service for disabled adults (SAMSAH) in the 13th arrondissement. "I'm a basketball fan, but I don't play much …It makes you want to do more!"

On the other side of the court, Sayeb, 13, is working on his layup. Two of his coaches at Autrepar (20th arrondissement), Marie and Céline, are not surprised by his energy and enthusiasm: "He needs to stay active, you can tell, can't you?". "Staying still bores me", adds Sayeb, who lives nearby. Marie describes him as a "sports lover". "He plays every Monday and Friday with us, and on Wednesdays at his school in the 12th arrondissement.

The same applies to people who are not basketball fans. Firas, also a coach at Autrepar, is surprised by one of his protégés' enthusiasm: "Autistic people can quickly become disoriented or disinterested, but today it's not the case."

The Cleveland Cavaliers left a good impression on the locals as well as some gifts. The day's "ballers" were able to leave with a towel, a Cavs bottle and signed photos!

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