Sports

Wembanyama Expresses Support for French Student Protesters

By Reuters

San Antonio Spurs forward Victor Wembanyama said he supports French teenagers protesting school conditions. The French Ministry of the Interior reported that 71,500 people participated in Thursday’s demonstrations, including 24,500 in the main march in Paris around Place de la Bastille. At a news conference, Wembanyama remarked that the protests highlight systemic inequalities and that he is glad students are speaking out. "I hear them, and I support them, and I hope the people all over there will do the same," he said. He had earlier responded to a fan’s invitation on Instagram to join the protest, saying, "I would love to. I have a lot of interest. I meant it." Wembanyama added that he had once been in a similar position and that he had escaped the problems he now sees. He noted that he attended high school in Nanterre, an area known for student blockades. The protests, which began last month in the poor northern suburbs of Paris over teacher absences and poor facilities, have grown into a nationwide movement against inequality, weak public spending and declining standards in state schools.