SOS Students Visit Le Chesnay-Rocquencourt — Strengthening Ties
In July 2025, Students of Service (SOS) brought 25 student ambassadors from San Antonio to Le Chesnay-Rocquencourt, France, as part of their European leadership tour. While the trip included stops in London, Paris, and Madrid, the students made a special detour to visit their peers in one of San Antonio’s newest Friendship Cities.
The exchange was featured in Toutes Les Nouvelles, a regional publication near Versailles, and highlighted as a successful example of youth diplomacy and international friendship. The experience reflects SOS’s mission to connect young people across cultures through service, exploration, and shared leadership.
In July 2025, Students of Service (SOS) brought 25 student ambassadors from San Antonio to Le Chesnay-Rocquencourt, France, as part of their European leadership tour. While the trip included stops in London, Paris, and Madrid, the students made a special detour to visit their peers in one of San Antonio’s newest Friendship Cities.
The exchange was featured in Toutes Les Nouvelles, a regional publication near Versailles, and highlighted as a successful example of youth diplomacy and international friendship. The experience reflects SOS’s mission to connect young people across cultures through service, exploration, and shared leadership.
ENGLISH TRANSLATION
Around Versailles
ALL THE NEWS
WEDNESDAY, JULY 16, 2025
LE CHESNAY-ROCQUENCOURT
The youth from San Antonio made baskets on “Wemby’s” courtThe youth from San Antonio hit the basketball court on the morning of Sunday, July 13, playing with local young adults from the Roof Top, the 18–25-year-old space in Chesnay-Rocquencourt.
Visiting Europe to explore London, Paris, the Palace of Versailles, and Madrid, the 25 Americans from Texas adjusted their itinerary to visit their friends in Chesnay-Rocquencourt, with whom they’ve been twinned for a few weeks.
And most importantly, they came to shoot some hoops on the basketball court donated by the San Antonio Spurs, the NBA team of Victor Wembanyama, the hometown hero of Chesnay-Rocquencourt.
“A very beautiful court”The delegation was welcomed by two English-speaking locals, Joséphine Parmentier, municipal councilor in charge of communications, and Pierre-Antoine Mulot, president of Chesnay Sports, who provided translation.
“It’s a very beautiful court,” said Amir Samandi, director of the SOS San Antonio association, which organized the European trip.
For the past eleven years, this organization has emphasized learning, exploration, and cultural understanding.
It provides opportunities for young people to travel—many of whom wouldn’t otherwise have the means.
“They are lovely, very open”Coming to Victor Wembanyama’s court, in his hometown, left a big impression on the group. “It’s amazing to be here. Victor Wembanyama is very popular in San Antonio,” shared Lorraine and Sylvia.
The younger generation quickly connected. “I speak for all of us,” added one young woman. “It was a great idea to bring us together,” agreed Sacha.
“For me, speaking English makes it easier,” added Margot, who frequents the Roof Top. “They’re lovely, very open, and happy to be here. It’s a wonderful moment.”
“Goal achieved”Before heading off to visit Versailles, the morning continued at the pétanque courts in the Pellouard sports complex, where the group was introduced to this distinctly French tradition.
Franco-American teams were formed into doubles.
The group then tried their hand at ultimate frisbee—enough to work up an appetite before lunch.
“The goal was for the youth to meet and do activities together: mission accomplished!” said Julien Geslin, director of events for Chesnay-Rocquencourt.
Around Versailles
ALL THE NEWS
WEDNESDAY, JULY 16, 2025
LE CHESNAY-ROCQUENCOURT
The youth from San Antonio made baskets on “Wemby’s” courtThe youth from San Antonio hit the basketball court on the morning of Sunday, July 13, playing with local young adults from the Roof Top, the 18–25-year-old space in Chesnay-Rocquencourt.
Visiting Europe to explore London, Paris, the Palace of Versailles, and Madrid, the 25 Americans from Texas adjusted their itinerary to visit their friends in Chesnay-Rocquencourt, with whom they’ve been twinned for a few weeks.
And most importantly, they came to shoot some hoops on the basketball court donated by the San Antonio Spurs, the NBA team of Victor Wembanyama, the hometown hero of Chesnay-Rocquencourt.
“A very beautiful court”The delegation was welcomed by two English-speaking locals, Joséphine Parmentier, municipal councilor in charge of communications, and Pierre-Antoine Mulot, president of Chesnay Sports, who provided translation.
“It’s a very beautiful court,” said Amir Samandi, director of the SOS San Antonio association, which organized the European trip.
For the past eleven years, this organization has emphasized learning, exploration, and cultural understanding.
It provides opportunities for young people to travel—many of whom wouldn’t otherwise have the means.
“They are lovely, very open”Coming to Victor Wembanyama’s court, in his hometown, left a big impression on the group. “It’s amazing to be here. Victor Wembanyama is very popular in San Antonio,” shared Lorraine and Sylvia.
The younger generation quickly connected. “I speak for all of us,” added one young woman. “It was a great idea to bring us together,” agreed Sacha.
“For me, speaking English makes it easier,” added Margot, who frequents the Roof Top. “They’re lovely, very open, and happy to be here. It’s a wonderful moment.”
“Goal achieved”Before heading off to visit Versailles, the morning continued at the pétanque courts in the Pellouard sports complex, where the group was introduced to this distinctly French tradition.
Franco-American teams were formed into doubles.
The group then tried their hand at ultimate frisbee—enough to work up an appetite before lunch.
“The goal was for the youth to meet and do activities together: mission accomplished!” said Julien Geslin, director of events for Chesnay-Rocquencourt.
