BKT GIVES BACK TO THE PARISIAN SUBURBS WITH A NEW, ICONIC BASKETBALL COURT

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.

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. It was an afternoon of celebration, with many play activities dedicated to the children of the local US Alfortville Basketball Club.

The renovated court is located in Alfortville, 10 km south of central Paris, a municipality known for its working-class roots and strong multicultural identity, where basketball is deeply embedded. Just consider that some of the most important players of the French national team, such as Evan Fournier (Olympiacos guard) and Nolan Traoré—recently selected 19th overall by the Brooklyn Nets in the NBA Draft—took their first steps in basketball here. The court’s design, conceived as a true piece of urban art, was entirely created by Karim Le H, also known for designing Quai 54, a true sanctuary for the French street basketball community and beyond.

The inauguration was attended by the mayor of Alfortville, Leo Cavalière—fresh off a French championship win with Paris Basketball—and Lucia Salmaso, Managing Director of BKT Europe, who commented on the success of the event with these words: “Revitalizing a playground like the one in Alfortville means giving back a meaningful space to the entire community—a place that serves not only a sporting function but also a social, cultural, and educational one. At BKT, we are committed to supporting initiatives that generate real value and lasting impact. 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.”

Community is the key word in all of BKT’s redevelopment projects across Europe—from football in Italy to rugby in the UK, and through the major basketball capitals of the EuroLeague, of which BKT is a Premium Partner. All these projects are part of a broad vision and a shared mission: to improve the lives of communities, especially younger generations, through sport.