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The Passion of Sport in the Service of Others: An Interview with Louis Lezeik of Sensations Inclusives

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Louay Louis Lezeik, called Louis, has a clear mission: to use sports as a tool for positive change. With a career that spans corporate negotiation, non-profit leadership, and advocacy for inclusive sports, Louis has dedicated his life to creating opportunities for people, especially those with disabilities, to benefit from the power of sports. As the founder of Sensations Inclusives, he works tirelessly to promote social inclusion and equality through sports. In this interview, we explore Louis’s career journey, his early life experiences that shaped his passion, the creation of Sensations Inclusives, and his vision for a future where everyone has access to sports.

 

From Electronics and Communications to Inclusive Sports: A Diverse Career Path 

Louis Lezeik’s career is marked by various experiences reflecting his evolving passion for sports and social inclusion. He began his academic journey with a degree in electronics and communications from the American University of Beirut. Recognizing his true calling, he later pursued an MBA in sports management at the Sport Management School and a Master’s in Sports Management at the University of Paris Est Créteil. He also earned certifications in associative management and mental health first aid to complement his expertise.

Louis started his career at Mitsubishi, where he spent ten years negotiating contracts in the construction and telecommunications sectors across the Middle East. Despite a brief venture into digital marketing, Louis felt a pullback to his true passion—sports. This realization led him to work in sports sales in 2016, followed by roles at the French Federation of American Football and Amaury Sport Organization, where he developed his skills in partnership development and strategy.

In 2019, Louis took on the role of Network Development Manager at Special Olympics France. He created a five-year regional plan, mobilized volunteers, and built partnerships with educational institutions, clubs, and sports federations. These experiences set the stage for him to establish Sensations Inclusives, an organization that promotes social inclusion and equal opportunities for people with disabilities through sports. With nearly two decades of experience, Louis now leads this impactful association, changing lives through sport.

 

A Childhood Marked by War and Dreams of Soccer 

Conflict and his love for soccer shaped Louis’s early life in Lebanon. Growing up during the war, soccer became more than just a game; it was an escape and a source of hope. This passion for the sport became a foundation for his life, fostering a deep empathy for communities that face adversity.

“Soccer was not just a game for me; it was a way to dream beyond my circumstances,” Louis reflects. These formative experiences planted the seeds for his future in sports management and advocacy, eventually bringing him from the streets of Beirut to the sports fields of Paris, where he began his journey into inclusive sports.

 

Navigating the Corporate World: A Journey of Self-Discovery 

Louis’s early career was rooted in the corporate sector, where he gained valuable skills but realized he lacked fulfillment. His decade at Mitsubishi focused on negotiating contracts in the Middle East, provided him with strong business skills and strategic thinking. However, he soon found himself seeking a more meaningful path that aligned with his love for sports and his desire to create impact.

This period became a turning point. After a brief stint in digital marketing, Louis decided to move into the world of sports. His work with the French Federation of American Football and Amaury Sport Organization allowed him to merge his professional skills with his passion for sports, paving the way for his shift into the non-profit sector.

 

Finding His Purpose and The Genesis of Sensations Inclusives 

The turning point that inspired Louis to establish Sensations Inclusives came during his time at Special Olympics France. Witnessing sports’s incredible impact on individuals with intellectual disabilities, he felt a strong calling to do more. He wanted to create an organization promoting inclusion and equal opportunities for people with disabilities through sports.

Founding Sensations Inclusives came with its own challenges, from securing funding to building a network of supporters. However, Louis’s commitment to his cause and his ability to inspire those around him were key to overcoming these hurdles. The early success of Sensations Inclusives was a clear indicator of the power of a strong mission and dedicated leadership.

 

Empowering Through Sport: The Impact of Sensations Inclusives 

Today, Sensations Inclusives offers various activities and programs that empower participants with intellectual disabilities. The organization creates a space where individuals can build confidence, develop social skills, and feel a sense of belonging. “We’ve seen incredible growth in our participants,” Louis shares. “From athletes finding their voice to volunteers gaining new perspectives, the impact is significant.”

One of the most inspiring aspects of Sensations Inclusives is the transformation stories. Participants who once felt isolated have found community and purpose, while volunteers and coaches have gained a new appreciation for inclusive environments. These stories show how sports can change lives and build bridges between people.

 

Louis’s Vision for a More Inclusive World Through Championing Equality

Despite the progress made, Louis knows there are still many barriers for people with disabilities to access sports and social activities. He advocates for more inclusive environments in sports and beyond, pushing for better awareness, policy changes, and community support. “Sports should be a right for all, not a privilege for some,” he insists.

Beyond his work with Sensations Inclusives, Louis continues to advocate for systemic changes that create more opportunities for marginalized communities, using his platform to raise awareness of these crucial issues.

 

Sensations Inclusives’ Role in the 2024 Olympics  

Sensations Inclusives also had a significant role in the 2024 Olympics, where they organized events that highlighted the talents of people with disabilities. Shanga Itaka, one of Sensations Inclusives’ administrators, participated at the recently concluded 2024 Paris Olympics as one of its torchbearers from all walks of life.

For Louis, the Olympics gave them the chance to promote inclusion on a global stage. “We want to show the world that sports are for everyone,” he explains.

Louis envisions Sensations Inclusives growing its reach and impact, creating more programs and partnerships to promote inclusion. He hopes that these efforts will inspire others to champion inclusive practices in their communities.

 

A Legacy of Inclusion: Louis Lezeik’s Continuing Journey 

From a childhood in war-torn Lebanon to a career focused on inclusion and equality, Louay Louis Lezeik’s journey is about resilience, passion, and purpose. His work with Sensations Inclusives has changed the lives of those with disabilities and challenged societal norms, paving the way for a more inclusive future. As he continues his mission, Louis’s work will inspire others to embrace the values of inclusion and empowerment.

 

Louis’s work shows that inclusion is a collective effort. Sensations Inclusives invites everyone to be part of this journey—whether through donations, volunteering, or participating in events. To learn more about how you can support Sensations Inclusives and help build a more inclusive world through sports, visit their website and get involved today. 

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