It is that time of year once again, as the One Team Games takes center stage across the Turkish Airlines EuroLeague and the BKT EuroCup. All 38 clubs under the Euroleague Basketball umbrella, together with One Team, have the opportunity to give even greater prominence to their programs, which impacts hundreds of people who are at risk of social exclusion across the continent.

The One Team Games are back!

Taking place between January 30 and February 2, 2024, which covers Rounds 24 and 25 in the EuroLeague and Round 17 in the EuroCup, clubs will be able to show how they are working towards the United Nations’ Sustainable Development Goal 10. The target is to specifically look at reducing inequalities in our communities, something the Euroleague Basketball clubs have made sure to address with their respective programs.

"One Team Games is a celebration of our 38 clubs and countless One Team participants, past and present, because their efforts are so meaningful to their communities," Roser Queralto, Euroleague Basketball's Deputy CEO, said. "Part of reducing inequality is narrowing the social exclusion gap so that more and more at-risk people know that they are truly valued. One Team is aimed precisely at achieving that reduction, program by program and season by season across the continent."

For fans in attendance across the 28 games – 18 in the EuroLeague and 10 in the EuroCup – there will be plenty of things to keep an eye on. Before tipoff, there will be a family picture featuring the One Team participants from the home side, as well as the One Team Ambassadors from both teams, at midcourt. Then, a One Team participant will bring the game ball to the officials before the fixture gets underway.

At halftime, the home crowd will get to see some One Team activities take place, so they have a chance to cheer on the participants – just as they would for the players. Whether you are watching from the arena or the comfort of your own home, you will see special #WeAreAllOneTeam stickers on EuroLeague and EuroCup courts. Turkish Airlines and BKT, the naming partners of the EuroLeague and the EuroCup, actively support the One Team Games and have worked with One Team to place the #WeAreAllOneTeam hashtag on the teams’ courts for this special event.

Likewise, the #WeAreAllOneTeam hashtag will also be highlighted across plenty of digital platforms, too, with One Team Ambassadors, players, clubs and fans all encouraged to show their support by sharing the program’s motto on social media.

"It's my second year involved with One Team and I think it's a beautiful project that deserves our support as players,” said Oscar da Silva of FC Barcelona. “Sport in general is a great tool to teach and learn a lot of values and skills that are really important in life, like teamwork, hard work, respect. I believe that in our particular case (youngsters from penitentiary center), we work on these values so that they can use them in their futures.”

There are further digital activations that will take place, with two different contests having been designed ahead of the One Team Games. The first one will be available for fans inside the arenas, as they can scan a QR code that will allow them to participate in a game where they can learn more about the One Team program and have the chance to win regular-season tickets for their favorite EuroLeague or EuroCup team. 

The second way in which fans can get involved is via the One Team social media accounts, where there will be a personality quiz that will allow you to see which One Team Ambassador has the same personality traits as you. By taking part in this quiz, you have the opportunity to win a jersey of your favorite EuroLeague or EuroCup player.

Throughout the One Team Games, the Euroleague Basketball clubs and the One Team Ambassadors are invited to show further support and awareness about One Team by sharing a special filter that they can use on their social media accounts. There will be many more special activations that the clubs do before and during the games themselves, too.

“As a man, it is important for me to renew my commitment to the One Team program,” noted Gauthier Denis of Paris Basketball. “In my daily life, I consider it essential to take time to help others. And whatever the cause... I want to believe that sport remains one of the rare places where everyone plays on an equal footing. There is no distinction of origin, gender or even religion. For all these reasons, I am very proud to be one of the One Team Ambassadors.”

One Team, supported by Turkish Airlines as the One Team Founding Patron and with the collaboration of Special Olympics as Proud Partner, uses basketball to achieve real social impact in our communities. With an innovative model of interconnectedness across an entire continent, Euroleague Basketball and its clubs have developed a complete CSR program that brings together activities from each team in an integrated, impactful way, working under the theme of "community integration" that actively addresses targets of the United Nations Sustainable Development Goal 10 on Reduced Inequalities.

The partnership between One Team and BKT went to another level last summer, as the One Team-BKT Legacy Project saw [the refurbishment of a basketball court in the Patissia neighborhood in central Athen](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/one-team/news/one-team-bkt-legacy-project-opens-refurbished-courts-in-athens/)s in mid-June. Ever since then, there have been plenty of big smiles on people's faces.

The Legacy Project is a cooperation between BKT, an Indian multinational company that specializes in the production of Off-Highway tires, and Euroleague Basketball's Corporate Social Responsibility program, One Team, together with its Founding Patron, Turkish Airlines, and with the support of the Athens Municipality through its "Adopt Your City" program . The goal of the One Team-BKT Legacy Project is to improve the lives of youngsters and people in need or at risk of exclusion by providing better facilities to play basketball and learn the life skills that come from the sport's values.

### Panathinaikos's Earth session

 On December 11, 2023, it was the turn of Panathinaikos AKTOR Athens to grace the court in Patissia. On what was a special day for the club's One Team participants, they took their session to the refurbished outdoor court and were joined by One Team Ambassadors Kostas Sloukas, Kostas Antetokounmpo and Juancho Hernangomez. The Greens' One Team Manager and two coaches were present, too.

The participants involved in Panathinaikos's One Team project this season – and those who were at the Greens' event on December 11 – were those under the umbrella of the Special Olympics Greece, the club's social partner. Panathinaikos is looking to help people with intellectual disabilities identify their strengths and realize their potential, not only in basketball but as members of society.

Euroleague Basketball also worked in parallel with the Earth Organization in Greece to include fun climate education content in the sessions. Following a session that saw the participants learn about the importance of responsible consumption and reducing food waste, in turn reflecting on the food choices we make, there was a practical element in which effort, ambition, respect and cooperation came to the fore.

The participants were taught how they can have a healthy and active lifestyle, which ties in with their integration into society and their personal development, before putting their One Team thinking caps on to cultivate their athletic, social and environmental skills, all in line with the One Team methodology.

Then, they were able to use the information that they had learned, primarily the journey of how food starts with seeds and ends up on our plates, with some One Team drills, which featured some basketball elements. From there, the participants had to find and identify vegetables by once again partaking in One Team drills, with basketball sprinkled in. To finish, they were put through their paces by using the One Team drills to learn and practice sorting recycling materials, which will help them in their day-to-day lives. 

### Olympiacos's Earth session

One day later, on December 12, 2023, it was Olympiacos's turn to head to the Patissia court. One Team Ambassadors Kostas Papanikolaou and Giannoulis Larentzakis were both there to assist the Reds' One Team Manager and Coaches, who looked to make this a memorable occasion for their participants.

The individuals who took part in Olympiacos's Earth session were those from the 1st Special Elementary School of Agios Dimitrios, which works with children with intellectual disabilities from the region of Athens, and the Facility of Schisto, which serves as a controlled facility for the temporary accommodation of asylum seekers. The goal of Olympiacos's program this year is to address the social issues of intellectual disabilities and also the adaptation into communities for refugees.

As happened one day prior, Euroleague Basketball once again partnered with the Earth Organization in Greece, which was on hand to offer its climate content both before and during the session. The day's events began with an educational element, as they learned about the journey food goes on from the field to our plates, as well as the way in which we have to try to protect the environment. 

Then, the participants planted some seeds – all while playing and talking – and they began to understand the true usefulness of plants. The message that was being put to those present is that we must enjoy a harmonious coexistence with nature, so they were given the cognitive and emotional resources in order to get a grasp of this. 

There was a fun task in which the participants took part in One Team drills which featured elements of basketball, as they had to identify fruits and vegetables. They also learnt and practiced sorting recycled materials, again by using One Team drills. The final event of the day saw a theater game take place in which the participants showed their knowledge of the journey of food from the field to our plates, all while applying it to the One Team methodology.

### Even brighter days ahead

After Istanbul's amazing project in 2022, the success of the One Team-BKT Legacy Project in Patissia has been so great that the mission is expanding. The One Team-BKT Legacy Project is already looking to have a creative positive impact on more Euroleague Basketball communities.

One Team-BKT Legacy Project continues to grow and grow

Today, December 5, is International Volunteer Day and as such it gives us a chance to say a big thank you to everyone who has helped with One Team, either in the past or in the present day. Volunteers provide essential support for the One Team managers as they look to implement a beneficial program for the participants.

The volunteers’ assistance makes it possible for even more of the participants to get attended to, and this in turn creates a better overall experience with One Team. After all, all together we can accomplish more if we work together as One Team.

“Engaging in One Team allows you to positively influence children's lives, providing them with skills and lessons beyond basketball that contribute to their personal growth,” commented Petros Belsis, who helps Olympiacos Piraeus’s One Team program as a volunteer.

“Contributing to the well-being and happiness of others brings a profound sense of fulfillment and purpose that's deeply rewarding. Overall, volunteering with One Team isn't just about basketball – it’s about creating a positive impact, building relationships, fostering personal growth and contributing to a more inclusive world.”

Last season, 74 volunteers lent a hand to the One Team projects of Euroleague Basketball’s clubs, and there are many who have once again given up their time to positively impact the lives of others.

“For me, being a volunteer means helping others, doing good things that improve other people's lives,” said Anastasia Korablova, who helps Prometey Slobozhanske’s One Team program. “You develop yourself and you’re doing something useful. 

“It is impossible not to smile when you see the grateful eyes of children. It generates positive emotions, brings variety to your daily routine, gives you an opportunity to develop yourself and expand your horizons, while you can also acquire new skills, experience and knowledge.”

“It is a very healthy atmosphere where we all are connected through sports and want to be better,” added Caterina Reissenveber, a volunteer with Zalgiris Kaunas’s One Team program. “Volunteering, not just in this program but in general, will improve you in different fields and help you to connect with people from around the world.”

It is a big commitment to give up your time to help others, but this is what volunteers do for One Team right across the continent. Yet, as Christie Miliordou puts it, a volunteer for Olympiacos’s One Team program, there is a big reward for that sacrifice: “There’s nothing like seeing the smile on children’s faces when we are laughing and playing together!”

The participants in the One Team programs of Euroleague Basketball’s clubs are at the forefront of everything to do with the program, but none of it would be possible without the help of the One Team managers and volunteers.

Celebrating One Team helpers’ contributions on International Volunteer Day

During their Round 6 matchup, the two teams put their One Team programs front and center.

Reyer, Cedevita came together to celebrate One Team

The clubs in the Euroleague Basketball family do an excellent job of showing the values of One Team, but Umana Reyer Venice and Cedevita Olimpija Ljubljana took things up a notch by joining forces to honor what the program represents.

A few weeks ago, on November 7, the Round 6 clash between Reyer and Cedevita at Palasport Taliercio in the 2023-24 BKT EuroCup Regular Season involved One Team participants from the Slovenian club travelling all the way to Venice for the game.

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<blockquote class="twitter-tweet"><p lang="en" dir="ltr">An amazing night, on and off the court, with <a href="https://twitter.com/KKCedOL?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@KKCedOL</a> during <a href="https://twitter.com/EuroCup?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@EuroCup</a> game 🤩 <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/WeAreAllOneTeam?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#WeAreAllOneTeam</a> 🏀❤️ <a href="https://twitter.com/OTEuroleague?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@OTEuroleague</a> 🤝 <a href="https://t.co/to7wtfk8s4">pic.twitter.com/to7wtfk8s4</a></p>&mdash; Reyer Venezia (@REYER1872) <a href="https://twitter.com/REYER1872/status/1722660321628676322?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">November 9, 2023</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>

Reyer’s One Team participants included individuals from [Co.Ge](http://Co.Ge).S don Lorenzo Milani Società Cooperativa Sociale, which is a social entity that accommodates resident minors who are temporarily without parental care and minors who are in a state of neglect and/or who are subject to proceedings before the Juvenile Court, in addition to unaccompanied foreign minors and foreign minors seeking asylum. 

Cedevita, meanwhile, gave children from the Youth Care Centre Malci Belic Ljubljana – a non-profit center that educates children and youngsters with emotional and behavioral problems, as well as those with learning disabilities – a once-in-a-lifetime experience at Palasport Taliercio.

Before making their way to Palasport Taliercio, however, the participants in Cedevita’s One Team program had a chance to visit the famous Italian city of Venice. Then, later in the day, Reyer opened its doors and allowed them to watch their heroes perform on the parquet. 

But, there was a surprise. At halftime, the One Team participants of both Cedevita and Reyer came down onto the Taliercio court and were able to play together, which provided some added entertainment for those watching on from the bleachers during the interval. In what was an unforgettable experience for the One Team participants from both clubs, there were smiles all round.

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<blockquote class="twitter-tweet"><p lang="art" dir="ltr">💚🧡 <a href="https://t.co/HAIKWyZP5x">https://t.co/HAIKWyZP5x</a></p>&mdash; Cedevita Olimpija Ljubljana (@KKCedOL) <a href="https://twitter.com/KKCedOL/status/1722238921084731718?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">November 8, 2023</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>

Later, once the game had come to its conclusion, with Reyer winning 95-87, the One Team participants returned to the court for a group photo alongside both teams’ One Team ambassador. And don’t forget Reyer mascot LeoRay, too! 

“Organizing the trip with the Youth Centre Malci Beliceve has been an incredibly rewarding journey,” said Cedevita’s One Team manager. “Witnessing the joy on the faces of these kids, who have faced challenges from broken families, as they explored Venice for the first time and enjoyed the game fills our hearts with immense happiness. 

“Our mission is to create unforgettable moments, and seeing the spark of excitement in their eyes reminds us that every smile we bring is a step toward building brighter futures. Together we can make a difference, one unforgettable experience at a time.

“We would also like to thank Umana Reyer's One Team program, because they made us feel right at home at their game.”

For Rok, a 14-year-old who is part of Cedevita’s One Team program, he was overjoyed to have taken part in a game together with Reyer’s One Team participants.

“I had an amazing time and would like to say thanks to Matic, Samo and the whole Cedevita Olimpija organization, because they took us on this trip,” Rok noted. “It was my first time in Venice, and I hope we will travel to some more cities. The best thing for me was going to the candy shop and the game we had at halftime.”

Cedevita did a wonderful job of bringing joy to those in its One Team program that made the trip to Venice, and one of the reasons for the trip in the first place was to give these individuals a chance to see a world beyond Slovenia, with many having previously never been outside the country.

Reyer’s One Team program was delighted to welcome their counterparts at Cedevita for this Round 7 initiative, as the Italian club’s One Team manager explained.

"When Matic texted me explaining his idea, I was immediately excited about it. It was a pleasure inviting them to join our One Team group to watch the game together,” stated Roberta Meneghel, Reyer’s One Team manager.

“It was easy to organize it with the cooperation of Matic and Samo, because I think we both understand the spirit of One Team thanks also the workshop we did in Barcelona, where I met incredible people.

“So I thought that making the two groups playing together at halftime in front of all the fans could be an amazing experience for the kids. Different cultures, different races, different teams on the same court, but all with the same passion and love for the game. That’s how we can show everyone that #WeAreAllOneTeam."

Reyer and Cedevita worked together on this amazing project, showing exactly how amazing things can be when we work as a unit. As Cedevita made clear, seeing the participants’ smiles on the bus back to Ljubljana made this trip more than worthwhile and was a reminder just why its One Team program is so important.

After all, when it comes to our communities, we are all One Team.

The 38 teams across the Turkish Airlines EuroLeague and the BKT EuroCup came together in Barcelona, Spain, last week for the 13th edition of the One Team Annual Workshop. Ahead of the 2023-24 season, representatives from each of the clubs came together to learn more about One Team and the best ways to implement the One Team methodology throughout the upcoming campaign.

The 13th One Team Annual Workshop was a rounding success!

The 38 teams across the Turkish Airlines EuroLeague and the BKT EuroCup came together in Barcelona, Spain, last week for the 13th edition of the One Team Annual Workshop. Ahead of the 2023-24 season, representatives from each of the clubs came together to learn more about One Team and the best ways to implement the One Team methodology throughout the upcoming campaign.

To kick off the One Team Annual Workshop on Thursday morning, Euroleague Basketball representatives Abi Martin and Marcel Maneja welcomed the new clubs and One Team staff before explaining the way in which One Team has so far impacted more than 25,000 participants from underprivileged and at-risk backgrounds.

"I want to highlight the commitment that we are continuing to build all together, but also the high level of expertise that we have seen \[throughout the One Team Annual Workshop\]," said Abi Martin, Director of Sustainability at Euroleague Basketball.

From there, Massimo Komatz from Dolomiti Energia Trento spoke with the group to discuss the One Team journey for both himself and the club. Those clubs that have achieved success with their One Team programs also offered tips to the others, particularly those that will be putting together a program for the first time.

"You won't change the life of people, but you will give them the possibility to change it by themselves," commented Komatz, Trento's One Team Manager.

After a lunch break, a presentation took place that was held by Lucy Mills and saw an introduction by Abi Martin, who welcomed Mehmet Dayioglu, the Turkish Airlines Project Manager, to the stage. Futbol Mas got involved not long after, with the ONG putting on a number of on-court and educational sessions for those present about inclusion, which could then be taken into account during the teams' One Team programs during the season.

The final activity of day one was an auditorium-based presentation on the power of partnerships by Lara Tagliabue from Laureus Sport. She discussed the way in which Laureus Sport's relationship with EA7 Emporio Armani Milan has evolved since their collaboration began three years ago, as well as how they have been able to prolong this partnership over the years.

Day one came to a close with a recap in which the group were able to reflect on the lessons that they had learned, while there was also a look ahead to what will come on day two.

Early on Friday morning, the activities continued with a #BeActive session hosted by the One Team coaches of Panathinaikos Athens and Olympiacos Piraeus. The #BeActive scheme looks to encourage people to take part in sport or a physical activity, which in turn improves health and well-being.

"All of the clubs join together for social purposes instead of competing," said Alex Canals, One Team Manager at FC Barcelona.

Next, those present split up into four groups of 20 as they shared ideas and networked among themselves before being shown examples of best practices by the clubs shortlisted for the One Team Awards.

The groups were able to spend 25 minutes with each session provided, with each including coaches from different teams: Panathinaikos and Olympiacos in the first; Trento and Baskonia Vitoria-Gasteiz in the second; Milan and Anadolu Efes Istanbul in the third; and Mincidelice JL Bourg en Bresse and FC Barcelona in the fourth. The first two groups had on-court sessions, while the latter two were conducted via presentations in the auditorium.

The [long-awaited One Team Awards](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/one-team/news/olimpia-milano-takes-home-gold-at-the-2023-one-team-awards/) were next on the agenda, with Lucy Mills and Euroleague Basketball's Abi Martin being joined on stage by Turkish Airlines Project Manager Mehmet Dayioglu and Euroleague Basketball CEO Paulius Motiejunas. In total, six awards were handed out, with Milan winning the One Team Gold Program honor.

After a group photo with everyone cheering "One Team!", everyone reconvened for some presentations during the afternoon by James Rigby from SailGP, Antonia Angermair and Andrea Dehaeck from FC Bayern Munich, and Matt Christie.

"One Team is a family; it's helping others, it's teamwork," noted Angermair, Bayern's One Team Manager.

The earthquake disaster in Türkiye affected everyone in the Euroleague Basketball community. Three of the Turkish clubs' One Team managers – Faruk Savas Demir from Turk Telekom Ankara, Mert Ahmet Gunduz from Fenerbahce Beko Istanbul and Tilda Acar from Anadolu Efes Istanbul – were given the floor to share their experiences and offer advice about what to do in the event of a disaster, as well as how they were affected both individually and at club level.

After two days of learning, the participants at the One Team Annual Workshop can now head back to their clubs and implement the things that they have found out. It was an incredibly fruitful experience for all involved, and everyone is now ready for the season ahead.

The seventh edition of the One Team Awards in Barcelona, Spain, has seen Olimpia Milano and a handful of other clubs rewarded for their terrific work with One Team. As a result of its work during the 2022-23 season, Milan secured the One Team Gold Program prize. Elsewhere, Olympiacos Piraeus was selected as the recipient of the One Team Silver Program, while FC Barcelona secured the One Team Bronze Program award.

Olimpia Milano takes home gold at the 2023 One Team Awards

The seventh edition of the One Team Awards in Barcelona, Spain, has seen EA7 Emporio Armani Milan and a handful of other clubs rewarded for their terrific work with One Team. As a result of its work during the 2022-23 season, Milan secured the One Team Gold Program prize. Elsewhere, Olympiacos Piraeus was selected as the recipient of the One Team Silver Program, while FC Barcelona secured the One Team Bronze Program award.

The other prizes on offer include the Judges' Award for Club Commitment and the Judges' Award for Perseverance, which went to Mincidelice JL Bourg en Bresse and Dolomiti Energia Trento, respectively. The One Team Ambassador Award was awarded to former Olympiacos forward Sasha Vezenkov.

One Team, Euroleague Basketball's social responsibility program, is now in its 11th year and has been able to count on the support of Turkish Airlines since its inception, in addition to enjoying a long-term partnership with Special Olympics.

Through their One Team programs, all 38 clubs across Europe's two most prestigious basketball club competitions have used the power of basketball to make a difference in their local communities. Last season, many of the teams in the Turkish Airlines EuroLeague and the BKT EuroCup took their One Team programs to another level, with the clubs all striving to do better year-on-year.

"Thank you all for doing this hard work, I know it requires a lot of energy," said Paulius Motiejunas, Euroleague Basketball CEO. "The challenges are becoming bigger, but you are handling them with greater energy and commitment, so thank you all for doing this hard job. No matter who wins, congratulations to everyone that has been awarded but also to those who were not nominated; I know your impact is enormous on each country that you represent, each city that you represent and each project that you do. For us, it’s an amazing honor to see you doing this."

### Milan's One Team Gold Program triumph

Milan opted to once again partner with Laureus Sport for Good Italia, but new allies were involved in the club's One Team program, too. The Italian side put on awareness sessions to more than 100 participants in a school, while it also put on different events such as One Team Day, auctions and parallel activities relating to its work with One Team. These sessions brought together at-risk youth – children suffering from social, cultural and economic distress, as well as those that may step outside the law – as Milan sought to promote community cohesion through its program.

What's more, Milan's One Team ambassadors from last year – Kyle Hines and Gigi Datome – were a regular presence at the sessions put on by the club. The program's numerous appearances in important Italian media outlets showed the good way in which the club used its communication channels to good effect, too.

"Finally we got \[the One Team Gold Program award\] after a five-year wait; having gone from third place to second place, now we've got it," stated Michele Samaden, Milan's One Team manager. "We are very proud of it. We want to thank our community partner, Laureus, and our commercial partner, Scalo Milano, for supporting us throughout the season. I also want to thank the wonderful One Team organization that helps us every time that we need assistance."

### Olympiacos grabs the One Team Silver Program award

Olympiacos, the recipient of the One Team Gold Program prize in 2021-22 and 2022-23, had great involvement from its ambassadors – Sasha Vezenkov and Kostas Papanikolaou – during last season. Working with 1st Special Elementary School of Agios Dimitrios, which works with children with intellectual disabilities from the region of Athens, the Reds had 39 participants take part in the sessions, of which 25 were new. This was the first time playing basketball for 43% of the group.

The support of its sponsor, as well as different partners, allowed Olympiacos to make its One Team sessions as good as possible. Different events were celebrated as well, such as Earth Day and the 10th anniversary of One Team, while volunteers also had their part to play in the One Team project by offering support and making videos.

"We are so lucky that, as part of our jobs, we can give people and children the opportunity to smile and shine," noted Olympiacos's One Team manager, Penelope Giovanovits. "As part of the One Team program, coaches and volunteers from every club come together to cooperate for something great. This \[One Team Silver Program award\] is a great achievement and it gives us lots of satisfaction."

### Barcelona wins the One Team Bronze Program trophy

 

Through a long-running program between October and June, Barcelona achieved good results during its partnership with the General Directorate of the Juvenile Penitentiary Center (CPJ). There was good engagement throughout from the inmates, who were able to build on the things they had learned in previous sessions and work on values that can help them on their future reintegration into society.

Barca organized a well-structured program that included clear objectives and detailed session plans, making it easier for the participants to understand exactly what they would be doing or learning about.

"This is an award that comes as a result of the hard work that we have been doing throughout the whole season," commented Alex Canals, Barcelona's One Team manager. "It's been very challenging to make the activities as successful as possible, but in the end we got there. We look back on last season's One Team program with a lot of pride."

### Sasha Vezenkov: winner of the One Team Ambassador award

Vezenkov helped guide Olympiacos to the EuroLeague Championship Game in the 2022-23 season, which helped him secure the EuroLeague MVP trophy in the process, but off the court, together with Kostas Papanikolaou, he brought big smiles to the participants of the Reds' One Team program. His great involvement in the sessions, in which he showed interest and curiosity regarding the kids' problems, together with his enthusiasm and energy in all the activities he was involved in, made a big impact on the positive evolution of the participants during the whole year.

The 28-year-old did his all to help where possible, too, such as asking what he can do to aid Olympiacos's One Team efforts with getting donations at Christmas. What's more, he went out of his way to explain the One Team program to his teammates and played a role in arranging for them to visit sessions.

### Bourg lands the Judges’ Award for Club Commitment

One of the keys to Bourg's One Team sessions during last season was the way in which it emphasized the participants' need for independence. Several partners got involved with the program in order to aid the efforts of Bourg, which also had three players from the under-21 side take part in coaching drills for those involved. Throughout various sessions, the impressive management and enthusiastic commitment from Bourg ensured that the program was able to achieve its goals.

 

### The Judges' Award for Perseverance goes to Trento

Trento put together an innovative and challenging One Team program in 2022-23, which involved the club working with inmates aged between 26 and 35. In challenging circumstances, One Team ambassadors Mattia Udom and Toto Forray showed a good level of involvement during the sessions.

There were clear, strong objectives that were set for the participants, which had good links to day-to-day life skills. There were some challenges for those running Trento's One Team program, such as a challenging set of participants and a complicated situation with the social partner as it was a prison, but they persevered and were able to overcome some tricky obstacles.

The winners from the One Team Awards pose with Euroleague Basketball CEO Paulius Motiejunas, Turkish Airlines Project Mananger Mehmet Dayioglu and the One Team staff.

Milan takes home gold at the 2023 One Team Awards

Just as so many star players are earnestly preparing for the upcoming season, Euroleague Basketball corporate social responsibility program One Team will hold a two-day training camp this week to assure that the power of basketball continues to be a vehicle for positive change in communities all across Europe.

One Team workshop to tip off ambitious new season of serving communities

Just as so many star players are earnestly preparing for the upcoming season, Euroleague Basketball corporate social responsibility program One Team will hold a two-day training camp this week to assure that the power of basketball continues to be a vehicle for positive change in communities all across Europe.

The 13th One Team Annual Workshop will see representatives from all 38 teams of the Turkish Airlines EuroLeague and BKT EuroCup come together in Barcelona on Thursday and Friday to learn, exchange ideas and collaborate as they aim to maximize the effects of their individual club programs going into the 2023-24 season.

New clubs and staff members will be trained with the help of long-time members in a proven One Team methodology that has already impacted tens of thousands of at-risk people from all walks of life – from the physically and mentally disadvantaged to incarcerated youth to victims of natural disasters and many, many more.

All clubs will hear from outside experts representing Futbol Mas, SailGP and think Beyond about the challenges at-risk groups around Europe are facing, particularly those related to inclusion. They will also learn about Euroleague Basketball's sustainability work and the opportunities that exist to expand upon it.

Another highlight of the event will be the announcement of the One Team Awards to acknowledge and celebrate those nominated clubs that took their positive impact on communities furthest last season. There is also an award for the top One Team Ambassador from among the players in every club who take time out to actively deliver benefits to the program participants.

"For more than a decade, our clubs and players have repurposed basketball as a means to inspire, educate and lift up those who need help for countless reasons in diverse settings and cultures," Roser Queralto, Euroleague Basketball's Chief Business Development Officer, said. "The One Team Annual Workshop is a chance not only to thank them for their heartfelt efforts but to tap their growing knowledge to continue bringing transformative experiences to struggling groups among us."

One Team, supported by Turkish Airlines as the One Team Founding Patron and with the collaboration of Special Olympics as Proud Partner, uses basketball to achieve real social impact in our communities. With an innovative model of interconnectedness across an entire continent, Euroleague Basketball and its clubs have developed a complete CSR program that brings together activities from each team in an integrated, impactful way, working under the theme of "community integration" that actively addresses targets of the United Nations Sustainable Development Goal 10 on Reduced Inequalities.

Playing sport while having a disability is full of different difficulties, but for Manuel, a 23-year-old from Bologna, his love for basketball went to new heights thanks to the work of Virtus Bologna and its One Team program. While he had encountered problems when playing wheelchair basketball and wheelchair tennis, the sport of Baskin suited him to a T – and Virtus's One Team sessions helped bring out the best parts of Manuel's personality.

Playing sport while having a disability is full of different difficulties, but for Manuel, a 23-year-old from Bologna, his love for basketball went to new heights thanks to the work of Virtus Segafredo Bologna and its One Team program. While he had encountered problems when playing wheelchair basketball and wheelchair tennis, the sport of Baskin suited him to a T – and Virtus's One Team sessions helped bring out the best parts of Manuel's personality.

First of all, perhaps it is important to explain Baskin a little. Baskin is a very inclusive sport in which players with no disability are able to play alongside people with different levels of issues, thanks to a series of specific rules that ensure everyone involved can take part and try to win.

As a big fan of Virtus and someone who picked up Baskin at 22, Manuel was naturally very excited to join the Italian club's One Team program. Playing at center for PGS Welcome Baskin Bologna, where he is one of the team's main scorers, he found a sport in Baskin that made him feel comfortable as it brings together many different people with different conditions.

Through One Team, Manuel saw his dream come true as he scored a basket in front of 9,000 people at Virtus Segafredo Arena during halftime of the Turkish Airlines EuroLeague game between Virtus and FC Barcelona. In fact, Manuel was taken aback by the chance to score a basket in front of his fellow Virtus supporters; so much so that he didn’t even remember what happened in the first half and later cried with happiness for two days.

There were several key learning moments for Manuel during the One Team program, such as acting as a Baskin teacher to Virtus and Magika Pallacanestro's youth-team players. He also had a special conversation with Virtus's One Team ambassador last season, Kyle Weems, who was taught the rules of Baskin by Manuel. Fellow Virtus player Daniel Hackett was another who was able to discover the incredible sport of Baskin.

After speaking with the likes of Weems and Hackett, Manuel was able to see his basketball idols as normal people who have their own strengths and difficulties. What's more, by playing Baskin with players from Virtus and Magika's youth setup, Manuel hopes that they now understand the importance of inclusion both on and off the court.

Prior to his experience with One Team, Manuel felt anxious when preparing to play a game of Baskin. However, it didn’t take long for him to understand the importance of focusing on doing his best to help his team. Baskin may have been part of Manuel's life prior to One Team, but Virtus's project helped him – and the others – feel a sense of togetherness, which in turn aided their growth as individuals.

One of the main things that helped Manuel and the group get a better understanding of themselves were the sit-down chats that the One Team participants had following the Baskin sessions. There, they would discuss what happened on the court in a calm, tranquil manner.

PGS Welcome Baskin Bologna, Virtus and Magika all worked in unison throughout the One Team program, with all three teams now cheering each other on whenever they have games. Manuel was able to complete one of his dreams thanks to Virtus and One Team, and it is an experience that he will never forget.

Virtus's success story: Manuel saw his dream come true

For kids growing up in the district of Gratosoglio in the Italian city of Milan, it is not always easy to find a safe haven to socialize. Yet, thanks to Olimpia Milano and its One Team project, children that otherwise would have been forgotten about have been given an opportunity to develop themselves as individuals. Here, we discuss the success stories of three children involved in Milano's One Team sessions in the 2022-23 season: Emma, Josuè and Sama.

Olimpia Milano's success stories: The power of basketball

For kids growing up in the district of Gratosoglio in the Italian city of Milan, it is not always easy to find a safe haven to socialize. Yet, thanks to EA7 Emporio Armani Milan and its One Team project, children that otherwise would have been forgotten about have been given an opportunity to develop themselves as individuals. Here, we discuss the success stories of three children involved in Milan's One Team sessions in the 2022-23 season: Emma, Josuè and Sama.

In the case of Emma, she joined Milan's One Team program late, coming along for the first time during the third session, but it didn’t take long for her to come out of her shell. After all, she had only agreed to take part as she wanted to be close to her friend Martina, who is a big Milan fan.

Emma typically struggled to deal with her insecurities in the past, but she nevertheless joined in with one of the group activities and, just like that, she felt at home. Despite initially appearing a little lost, she soon started to display the traits of her personality that had previously not been on show. Emma discovered her value as a girl and also as a player, and she came away from the One Team sessions with unforgettable memories, all thanks to getting out of her comfort zone.

Josuè, meanwhile, has a different story. His family was dealing with financial difficulties, yet with the help of the Arcadia Institute in Gratosoglio, he could keep his basketball dream alive. He was able to meet the Milan players and listened intently when they dished out any advice, while the sport of basketball proved to be the perfect way for him to overcome his shyness.

Josuè initially joined Milan's One Team project in 2019 and, despite fearing that he would fail even the simplest of tasks, he now takes everything in his stride. In fact, Josuè has become a reference for many of the individuals who take part in Milan's One Team program, as he is the first to arrive at the gym and has assumed a leadership role among the participants, offering advice – on and off the court – and guiding the others. From his cocoon, he has turned into a butterfly, thanks in large part to the work done as part of the One Team sessions.

Last but not least, Sama. She often felt different to many people around her due to the fact that she wears a hijab, but during the One Team sessions, she was just another member of the group. As the sessions went on, Sama grew and grew in confidence, which resulted in her personality flourishing as a result. She was not afraid to let her opinions be known, too.

Sama regularly displayed her leadership on the court, resulting in her teammates being inspired to follow her advice and desire. She always arrived at the gym with a twinkle in her eyes, and she couldn't wait to get started. Sama may at times feel different to others due to her hijab, but she is also different for another reason – she is a leader, something she discovered thanks to the One Team sessions.

For Emma, Josuè and Sama, they were able to overcome their individual obstacles and take a big leap forward as people, with Milan's One Team program helping them to make big changes in their lives. Thanks to the emphasis placed on problem solving, communication and managing emotions by Milan's One Team coaches, they were successfully able to support Emma, Josuè and Sama. Not only did Milan use the sport of basketball to bring everyone together, but it also used positive language while playing to help enhance the participants' self-esteem and self-efficacy.

The cases of Emma, Josuè and Sama are another set of success stories that have come from One Team, Euroleague Basketball's corporate social responsibility program, supported by Turkish Airlines and with the collaboration of Special Olympics as a proud partner. This past season, EA7 Emporio Armani Milan worked with community partner Laureus Sport for Good Italia for the fifth year in a row, securing a nomination for the 2022-23 One Team Program Awards in the process.