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.
