Hoops Exhibition Under Eiffel Tower

(ATR) France’s top NBA player entertains with a display of hoop prowess under the Eiffel Tower. Tony Parker’s exhibition was timed to impress the IOC Coordination Commission for Paris 2024, making its second visit to the French capital.

Parker today was officially named as the first education ambassador of Paris 2024. Parker, 36, plays for the San Antonio Spurs.

"For me it was logical to agree to the request by Paris 2024 leader Tony Estanguet," says Parker. He says the work is similar to what he does with young people in sports clubs in Lyon and his foundation in the U.S.

On hand for the basketball spectacle were the 16 members of the IOC CoComm, led by IOC member in Belgium Pierre Olivier Beckers.

Beckers received on Monday the Olympic commitmentsof Valérie Pécresse, president of the Île-de-France region. Developed last month in consultation with Paris 2024 and other stakeholders, the 18 commitments include promises to help with volunteer training and transport, among other needs from the regional government.

"It is important to know who is doing what in the multitude of actors related to Paris 2024," Pécresse tells French media.

"This makes it possible to be more efficient, to avoid duplication and to reduce costs," she says.

Pécresse says she is being assisted by Vincent Roger, her staff member handling the Olympics and Paralympics. Also advising Pécresse is Jean-François Lamour, Olympic fencing gold medalist and French minister of sport from 2004 to 2007.

The IOC CoComm meets through June 19. Beckers will hold a press conference at the conclusion of the meeting.

Reported by Ed Hula.