**Community Partner:**  SESSAD Emile Zola and AFG AUTISME 

**Social Issue:** Disabilities - Intellectual disabilities  

**Ambassador**: Paris Lee, Charles Kahudi, Shaquille Harrison 

**Main Life Skills:** Communication, Emotional management, Responsibility, Self-confidence 

**About the program:** 

ASVEL is working in collaboration with SESSAD Emile Zola, a Villeurbanne day center, to support children and young adults with autism between the ages of two and 20. SESSAD’s team, which includes doctors and therapists, helps integrate young people into adapted physical activities like basketball. 

They are also partnering with AFG Autisme, an association helping individuals with autism integrate into society and supporting the development of inclusive sports teams. Through their five-year partnership with SESSAD, they now serve the entire Lyon area. The support of educators ensures smooth participation in their programs, helping to foster teamwork and social inclusion. Weekly organized friendly games motivate players and strengthen bonds. ASVEL will provide the participants with team jerseys, organize social events, and offer discounted tickets to games, creating a sense of belonging. The program has grown to include 65 participants—10 children, 15 teenagers, and 40 adults—and continues to thrive through these partnerships.  