5th August 2024
We were thrilled to be invited, along with all of Jordan’s community partners, on a four-day trip to Paris. This special experience included the opportunity to invite two under-19 players to join us for a luxurious, five-star adventure cantered around an event called “The One.” Inspired by the legendary one-on-one battles between Michael Jordan and his brother Larry, this tournament captured the spirit of competition and excellence.
The events were based in the 18th district of Paris, which was creatively rebranded as District 23 by the Jordan team. Iconic buildings and areas were transformed, creating an atmosphere of excitement and innovation. In partnership with Twitch, a virtual map was made available on the Nike app, guiding attendees through a series of workshops and basketball experiences around the city.
Our players were overjoyed to stay at the renowned Molitor Hotel, where they were treated like stars. They received exclusive Jordan merchandise and participated in a welcoming workshop at the hotel. One of the highlights of the trip was a one-on-one basketball workshop led by our Basketball Development Officer, Marvin, at the flagship Jordan court, Paris Basket 18 Gym. The players had the court to themselves for two hours, enjoying an intensive and rewarding workout.
Marvin expressed the purpose of the workshop, saying, “I wanted the kids to be inspired, to realize how fortunate they were, and to return to the UK with a sense of purpose, using this positive experience as a beacon of recognition for their hard work.”
In addition to the player workshops, we hosted sessions for our extended Jordan partners, including BLAM, You Make It, Coding Black Females, Black Girl Fest, Creative Hannah Faith, and the Brixton Topcats. This trip was a celebration of what our partnership means to the Jordan team and an exploration of how we can further strengthen our connections with the communities we serve.
The journey fostered a deep sense of camaraderie among all participants. We returned to the UK filled with gratitude, knowledge, and inspiration, ready to take on new challenges and opportunities.
