Quai 54 back in Paris

The “biggest streetball tournament in the world“returns this summer to Paris, to bring together 160 professional and amateur players. The streetball competition (a variant of basketball played outdoors, with a less strict application of traditional rules) is once again played on the site of the Trocadéro gardens , close to the Eiffel Tower.

Quai 54, created in 2002, is centered around a men’s tournament (with eight teams) and a dunk competition. And for this 2021 edition, organized this Saturday July 17 and Sunday July 18, the event is hosting a women’s division for the first time on its playgrounds, with eight teams as well.

“We are in dangertest iodine, it allows us to know if the girls feel comfortable playing outside, explains Hammadoun Sidibé, founder of Quai 54. Because a lot of the girls made it clear to us that they weren’t comfortable playing outside, they are used to the gym. But anyway, they’re going to come back.“

Developing for us also means respecting women’s basketball

Hammadoun Sidibé, founder of Quai 54

“Developing for us also means respecting women’s basketball, he continues. It is clear that there is a lack of communication already on men’s basketball, and on women’s basketball it is even worse. We had to, in any case, to restore its letters of nobility to women’s basketball, and to give them the opportunity to play under the Eiffel Tower, with the boys.“

Mandatory mask and health pass for the public

The men’s first match opposed the Cartel (victorious, 63-46) against the Germans of Der Stamm.

Men’s first match: The Champion’s Cartel @ThiasLsf, champion @EuroCup with @ASMonaco_Basket , against the Germans of Der Stamm ⚡️ #Quai54 pic.twitter.com/UorrfSPIMz

– Pier 54 (@ quai54wsc) July 17, 2021

As for the first female meeting In the history of the competition, the Swiss team Hale Bopp faced the Diarra Academy (victorious, 46-34).

First women’s match in the history of #Quai54 with the Swiss team Hale Bopp facing the Diarra Academy of Coach @mameight & Coach @OliviaEpoupa ???????????? pic.twitter.com/I4xB1BFUF3

– Pier 54 (@ quai54wsc) July 17, 2021

The public is also making a comeback this year. But given the context of the pandemic, the health pass is required to attend the event.

Due to a gauge of spectators with a number of seats “very limited“, the competition is sold out. Note also that wearing a mask is mandatory on site.

Concerts, DJ sets, entertainment… Beyond the matches, the event welcomes, among others, rappers Koba LaD, Leto, SDM and Gazo this year.