Name: Airidas puts his passion into action thanks to One Team
Channel: Euroleague Basketball

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Euroleague Basketball, in partnership with BKT, is proud to announce the launch of season 2 of “My City, My Court”, a project that brings basketball closer to communities while shining a light on the courts that connect us all.

Euroleague Basketball, BKT launch Season 2 of “My City, My Court”: A celebration of community, culture and basketball

Euroleague Basketball, in partnership with BKT, is proud to announce the launch of season 2 of “My City, My Court”, a project that brings basketball closer to communities while shining a light on the courts that connect us all.

Following a successful first season, “My City, My Court” returns by revisiting refurbished courts in Athens, Istanbul, and Berlin, in addition to exploring a potential new renovation site in Barcelona. The initiative, presented by BKT and supported by Euroleague Basketball’s social responsibility program, One Team, continues to celebrate basketball’s ability to transform urban spaces and build lasting community legacies.

The season kicks off with “Episode 1: Courts on the Road – Istanbul & Athens Legacy Tour”, which is out now. The episode sees basketball influencer, Jordi Galvez, travel across both cities to reconnect with refurbished courts and the people whose lives have been touched by them. Through street interviews, vibrant on-court moments, and personal stories from local players, coaches, and community leaders, the episode captures how these public spaces have become hubs of culture, inclusion, and inspiration.

Key appearances include EuroLeague legends Sinan Güler, Joe Arlauckas, and Michalis Kakiouzis, with journalist Vassiliki Karamouza providing local insight from Greece. Each voice adds a unique perspective on how these courts have brought these communities together.

As the journey unfolds across Europe, the project will continue to showcase the cultural heartbeat of each city, the passion of its people, and the power of basketball to unite.

After successful events in Sopot, Milan, Paris, and Vitoria, Euroleague Basketball’s One Team program and Motorola brought their “Bouncing for Good” initiative to Athens. On April 1, a special workshop took place at the 57th Primary School of Athens, where 80 children aged between eight and eleven participated in the event. 

 

The workshop was made even more memorable by the presence of two One Team Ambassadors, one from either side of the Greek divide: [Olympiacos Piraeus](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/en/euroleague/teams/olympiacos-piraeus/oly/) guard [Giannoulis Larentzakis](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/en/euroleague/players/giannoulis-larentzakis/010392/) and [Panathinaikos AKTOR Athens](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/en/euroleague/teams/panathinaikos-aktor-athens/pan/) guard [Dimitris Moraitis](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/en/euroleague/players/dimitris-moraitis/006544/). They joined forces to share their passion for the game and encourage the young participants.

 

The workshop focused on skills that the kids can learn from basketball. It was designed to instill key life values such as teamwork, perseverance, and discipline – values that will benefit the children both on and off the court. The event aimed to empower the young participants to develop as individuals, with strong character and leadership potential inspired by the values of sport and the voices of their favorite athletes.

 

The 57th Primary School of Athens, located in Kolonos, an underprivileged district where many families face socioeconomic challenges and social exclusion, plays a crucial role as a safe and supportive space for children. Many of the students come from immigrant backgrounds and grapple with poverty and limited access to educational resources. Despite these difficulties, the school is a vibrant environment where dedicated teachers and staff work relentlessly to inspire and uplift students, nurturing their potential and encouraging them to dream beyond their current circumstances.

 

On April 8, the “Bouncing for Good” initiative continued with the donation of basketballs to 150 children from the 57th Primary School of Athens. This event, which took place from 10:00am to 12:00pm at the school’s outdoor court, was attended by Larentzakis and Olympiacos teammate [Shaquielle McKissic](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/en/euroleague/players/shaquielle-mckissic/007853/), who is also a One Team Ambassador, as well as two One Team Ambassadors from Panathinaikos, Moraitis and [Juancho Hernangomez](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/euroleague/players/juancho-hernangomez/012712/). Together, they personally handed over the basketballs, giving the children the tools they need to continue pursuing their love of the sport and further develop important life skills.

 

Juancho Hernangómez expressed his enthusiasm for the initiative, saying: "It’s an honor to be part of the One Team-Motorola ‘Bouncing for Good’ initiative and to share these special moments with the children. Basketball has given me so much, and being able to give back—whether through a simple gesture like donating a basketball or spending time with them on the court—means a lot to me. I truly believe in the power of sport to inspire and unite, and I’m grateful to be involved in this meaningful program."

 

Giannoulis Larentzakis echoed this sentiment, highlighting his commitment to One Team’s mission: "Seeing the excitement in these kids’ eyes reminds me why initiatives like this matter so much. Basketball teaches us values like teamwork, perseverance, and respect—lessons that extend far beyond the game. I’m proud to be a One Team Ambassador and to take part in projects that make a real difference in young people’s lives."

 

Daniela Idi, EMEA Marketing Director at Motorola, shared her thoughts on the initiative: “This project has been about more than basketball — it’s about creating moments of inspiration and showing children that their dreams matter. Closing the season in Athens, with the incredible energy of the students and support from Euroleague and local heroes, has been the perfect way to wrap up this journey — and we look forward to returning in September to reach even more young dreamers”

 

Abigail Martin, Director of Sustainability & Development Projects at Euroleague Basketball,   "Thanks to this beautiful collaboration with Motorola, Euroleague Basketball's social program One Team has been able to make a deeper impact in our communities through the EuroLeague and EuroCup clubs' One Team programs and with the player ambassadors taking on a key role in sharing the developmental benefits to their sport and inspiring school students to give the best version of themselves by using sport's values."

 

This initiative aims to build on the school’s efforts by providing students with hands-on experiences in technology, teamwork, respect, and fun. For these children, this workshop is a rare opportunity to explore new possibilities, develop essential skills, and build the confidence to envision a brighter future. The experience hopes to leave a lasting impact, reinforcing the school’s vital role in shaping the lives of its students and offering hope to the wider community.

 

The “Bouncing for Good” initiative is part of a long-term collaboration between One Team, Euroleague Basketball’s social responsibility program, and Motorola. This partnership is key to creating lasting impact in the community and helping to bridge gaps in society in association with the clubs' One Team programs and the players that season after season support their communities as One Team Ambassadors.

 

As the program continues, it will strengthen the bonds within the community, offer new opportunities, and inspire future generations to dream big as they go in pursuit of their goals.

The children got to meet Olympiacos duo Giannoulis Larentzakis and Shaquielle McKissic, and Panathinaikos pair Juancho Hernangomez and Dimitris Moraitis

“Bouncing for Good” provides young people in Athens with a day to remember

Roberta Meneghel has made significant strides in the world of basketball, not only as a player but also as a dedicated advocate for social inclusion. She joined Umana Reyer Venice in 2010, where she concluded her playing career – she still represented the Italian national team until 2013 – before transitioning into a management role and eventually becoming the Responsible Manager of Social Programs. She is also into her third year as the club’s One Team Manager.

Roberta Meneghel: An ex-pro giving back to society by collaborating with Reyer, One Team

Roberta Meneghel has made significant strides in the world of basketball, not only as a player but also as a dedicated advocate for social inclusion. She joined [Umana Reyer Venice](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/en/eurocup/teams/umana-reyer-venice/vnc/) in 2010, where she concluded her playing career – she still represented the Italian national team until 2013 – before transitioning into a management role and eventually becoming the Responsible Manager of Social Programs. She is also into her third year as the club’s One Team Manager.

Reyer’s One Team project has been operating for five years, with the club currently in the fourth consecutive year of its cooperation with Coges Don Milani, which focuses on minors in the community. As Roberta explained in an interview for the One Team website, Reyer placed a focus on those who are at risk of exclusion when it came to deciding which group it wanted to focus its efforts on.

“We started thinking about what groups are in danger of exclusion in our community and we thought that a current theme was the inclusion of foreigners coming to Italy from another country,” she explained. “Basketball is a sport without borders so we thought it could be a good connection. We contacted the social workers of Coges Don Milani, Ms. Valentina Vianello, and explained our One Team project; as she played basketball, she fell in love since the beginning.

“She explained to us the aim of the community and the stories of the kids and how we could be useful for their needs. The community takes care of minors coming from different countries, reported by the authorities, to help them to become new and good citizens. They create a program for each one, helping with the documents, with the language, making them study and ensuring they are independent when they become 18.

“The objective of the program is to make the minors feel part of a community, teaching them how to relate with other people, observing rules, being friendly and polite, focus on learning a new sport and put any effort to solve problems and limits.”

One big positive from Reyer’s One Team work is the real-life impact those involved with the project are able to see among the participants, particularly after sessions. “We can see clearly the benefits of the project at the end of every season," he said. "The most beautiful thing is to see how they thank us after every practice, how they have improved with the language, with the rules.

“For example, being responsible by bringing their One Team T-shirt to every practice (it seems banal, but it isn’t), cleaning the bench, not disturbing while the coach is talking… things that at the beginning were not considered before, but day by day we see how they now think about it. Another positive aspect we noticed increasing day by day is the capacity to trust us and feel comfortable with us. Treating them good but strict when it’s necessary, making them laugh and trying to learn their language helped us to be accepted so they can really feel safe in that space.

“Having every year a new group is itself a challenge, because every year we have to start over without knowing which kind of group we will have,” she added. “The minors come from different countries, with different cultures, different languages, so every year we need to find the right key to communicate with them, to make them communicate with each other and accept their teammates, because we are all One Team. If they see that everyone is treated good, if they act good and all their efforts are rewarded, they will recognize it.”

In order to give the participants added motivation during the session, two first-team players at Reyer have shown their support for the program by making sure they are in attendance whenever they can.

“This year we have two One Team Ambassadors, Davide Casarin and Juan Fernandez,” she stated. “They make an extra effort to be as present as possible at the sessions, like their teammates, since they almost always practice at the same time as us. But when they come, the participants are so happy because they can play with them, take selfies and follow their example. When they understand that they are playing with famous athletes, they look at them with a different eye, and they recognize how blessed they are to have this unique experience.”

For Roberta, her reason for being involved with One Team is clear.

“I love social projects and I love being useful, so when Reyer talked about the One Team project and asked me to be the manager of it I literally fall in love with,” she said. “The idea of helping youth at risk to find a motivation, to believe that the world is not so bad, giving them hope and fun with the instrument of basketball, that is my life. It was a dream for me. Sports teach people to live; most of the participants survived tragedies, so helping them to see a light after the tunnel is an inspiration for me, too.”

It is also important that Roberta and the other One Team Managers at Reyer are able to show the participants something that may not be the norm in the countries they are from.

“The first time I went to take them with the minibus, they looked at me thinking, ‘Oh wow, a woman driving a minibus?’. Then they recognized that I was also good at it and they were fighting to come into my minibus… also because I let them play their music and I sing with them! It’s also funny looking their face when Valentina and I shoot the ball. They are like, ‘Damn, they also good at’. This helps us to show them a different point of view.”

Reyer has already done so much as part of its One Team program, but how is the club hoping to take things to the next level?

“We are thinking about new experiences that can give them something new, not only related with basketball,” Roberta explained. “Fortunately the project has a good visibility on social media and in the newspapers, and a video of the practice with the journalists was also broadcasted on regional TV news. The goal is to implement the activities to have even more impact. We’d like that everyone knows that Reyer is not only a sport club but also a social club, with many activities for the community.”

Given the way in which she has been able to have such a profound impact on many participants’ lives, Roberta is the right person to offer some advice to any other teams that may look to replicate the same level of success.

“First of all, having a good structure is fundamental,” she said. “Also having resources and finding the right people. The coach has to understand the focus of the project and the club has to understand the importance of a social activity. Media outlets and social media are crucial to spreading the voice and helping to find partners. Partners must be involved in practices and activities because they need to know why they are so important. There are many communities or associations to work with, so it’s important to find the one that can fit the club.”

Roberta Meneghel's journey from a professional athlete to a social advocate exemplifies the transformative power of sports. Through Reyer’s One Team program, she is making a lasting impact on the lives of many participants, proving that basketball is indeed a sport that transcends borders and fosters community spirit.

She is positively impacting the lives of many young migrants

At [Cedevita Olimpija Ljubljana](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/en/eurocup/teams/cedevita-olimpija-ljubljana/lju/), basketball is a platform for education, personal growth, and community engagement. This season, they have taken that philosophy a step further by introducing an internship program for six children from its One Team program, offering them hands-on experience in game-day operations and how the club works. Consequently, the initiative not only gives kids valuable behind-the-scenes experience but also helps them develop important life skills such as teamwork, responsibility, and problem-solving. 

This program was the result of the club's desire to provide young people a real-world understanding of what goes into organizing a professional basketball event. While many fans only see the excitement of the game itself, a significant amount of planning, coordination, and effort happens before the first whistle blows. 

### The interns’ responsibilities  

On game days, the One Team interns arrive early at the arena to assist the OT Managers, Matic and Samo, who are instrumental in guiding them, ensuring that they understand each responsibility while also encouraging them to ask questions and take initiative. Their responsibilities included arranging VIP seating and preparing guest lists to ensure a seamless experience for high-profile guests and sponsors. They also helped organize merchandise in the fan shop, gaining insights into retail management and customer interaction, while they learn about pricing strategies and how promotions are communicated.

The participants engage fans by setting up activities in the fan zone and managing pre-game entertainment, enhancing the overall game-day atmosphere. They learned to use various digital tools for event management, including spreadsheets and social media and explored sponsorship placements and arena branding strategies.

To reinforce their learning, the interns documented their experiences in worksheets that covered literacy, digital skills, and emotional intelligence. The club general manager, Davor Užbinec, took some time to help the children with their working sheets and gave them some words of encouragement. The collaborative atmosphere made the interns feel welcome, motivating them to fully engage with their tasks. 

<center>
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet"><p lang="sl" dir="ltr">Teden, posvečen projektu <a href="https://twitter.com/OTEuroleague?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@OTEuroleague</a> še vedno poteka, zato nadaljujemo tam, kjer smo ostali!<br><br>V okviru našega projekta varovanci Mladinskega doma Malči Beličeve ne spoznavajo le košarkarske igre, temveč se naučijo tudi vse o organizaciji same košarkarske tekme. Tako so nam na… <a href="https://t.co/Grklgksf2Z">pic.twitter.com/Grklgksf2Z</a></p>&mdash; Cedevita Olimpija Ljubljana (@KKCedOL) <a href="https://twitter.com/KKCedOL/status/1879827182375117145?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">January 16, 2025</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>

### Building key competencies 

Beyond their direct responsibilities, the internship helped the children develop important competencies that will benefit them in any future career path: 

•	Reading literacy – They had to read and understand game-day instructions, event schedules, and guest lists, which helped improve their ability to process information quickly and accurately. 

•	Multilingualism – Since the club interacts with international players, officials, and sponsors, the interns were exposed to multiple languages. 

•	Mathematical & technological skills – From recording the number of spectators and drawing bar graphs to understanding how LED advertisements are programmed. 

•	Digital competence – Using email accounts professionally, responding to official messages, and navigating the club’s website for game-day details. 

•	Social & emotional learning – They reflected on the emotions they observed among staff members, including teamwork, stress management, and problem-solving. Also, they learned how to regulate emotions in a fast-paced work environment. 

•	Entrepreneurial thinking – Interns gained an understanding of sponsorship dynamics, including why certain brands receive more visibility, how advertisement timing is determined, and what factors influence ticket pricing. 

•	Cultural awareness – They explored the traditions of opposing teams, identifying symbols related to the city and country of the visiting team. 

"I never realized how much work goes into preparing a basketball game. It was fun setting up the fan zone, and I liked working with the team," said one of the Cedevita Olimpija interns. "I feel important when we help prepare the arena, I can sit next to the court and much more. I hope I will be able to work this kind of job one day.” 

### Investing in the next generation 

This internship program is more than just a short-term initiative. It’s an investment in the next generation of sports professionals, event organizers, and community leaders. By providing young people with an opportunity to engage with the club in a meaningful way, Cedevita hopes to inspire future careers in sports management, marketing, and event coordination, as they say: “Maybe one day, some of these interns will be the ones leading the next generation of One Team participants or working full-time with KK Cedevita Olimpija.”

This internship provided them with a comprehensive understanding of the behind-the-scenes operations of a professional basketball game, equipping them with valuable skills for future careers in sports management.

One Team internship program: Preparing future sport managers

At LDLC ASVEL, basketball transcends the court – it’s a catalyst for fostering community, growth, and inclusion. The club treats everyone as part of a family, ensuring that young participants feel supported and valued on and off the court. It’s more than a game; it’s about creating a sense of belonging and empowerment.

ASVEL opened its arms to Benjamin as part of its One Team program

Euroleague Basketball’s 38 One Team programs are dedicated to using the power of basketball to make a positive impact in communities across Europe. [LDLC ASVEL Villeurbanne](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/en/euroleague/teams/ldlc-asvel-villeurbanne/asv/)’s commitment to this mission is a shining example of how clubs can lead by example, fostering an inclusive environment where everyone, no matter their background, can thrive.

At ASVEL, basketball transcends the court – it’s a catalyst for fostering community, growth, and inclusion. The club treats everyone as part of a family, ensuring that young participants feel supported and valued on and off the court. It’s more than a game; it’s about creating a sense of belonging and empowerment.

In a compelling demonstration of how sport can inspire and unite, one of ASVEL’s young participants from the One Team program, Benjamin, received an exceptional opportunity. Benjamin had a very positive experience gaining confidence in himself and being able to communicate in English with the staff and players, overcoming his shyness, which he is very proud of: “The entire staff of the LDLC ASVEL pro team welcomed me warmly and was very kind to me."

This initiative highlights how ASVEL exemplifies the values of Euroleague Basketball’s One Team. “It’s a pleasure to share moments with guys as passionate as Benjamin," commented Pierre Poupet, ASVEL's first-team head coach. "They’re one of the reasons why we do this job, to create and share emotions. We were very proud and happy to help him come to practice, talk to us and experience everything from the inside. We need more Benjamins, and more moments like this." They will witness the dedication and effort of ASVEL’s top athletes up close and enjoy special interactions with several players, creating memories to last a lifetime.

This story reminds us of the transformative power of basketball and the vital role clubs play in shaping the future of our sport. 

He was able to gain confidence in himself and communicate in English with the staff and players

The 2025 edition of the One Team Games is in the books! Between January 14 to 17, the 38 clubs in the Euroleague Basketball family celebrated the One Team Games at a combined 28 games across the Turkish Airlines EuroLeague and BKT EuroCup, spreading the One Team mantra across the continent. Unforgettable memories were made, connections were strengthened with the club's ambassadors, and everybody united as one – because #WeAreAllOneTeam.

The 2025 One Team Games was once again a roaring success!

Hapoel Shlomo Tel Aviv has made history with the creation of Israel’s first unified basketball team, bringing together individuals with and without cognitive disabilities.

Hapoel Tel Aviv’s “Equals” basketball team: A new era of inclusion in Israel

Hapoel Shlomo Tel Aviv has made history with the creation of Israel’s first unified basketball team, bringing together individuals with and without cognitive disabilities. Spearheaded by Danny Or, Hapoel’s One Team Manager, the initiative aims to foster inclusion, community, and empowerment for people who often face social isolation.

Danny’s inspiration for the project comes from his own experience as a father. His son, Adam, was diagnosed with autism and epilepsy at a young age, and Danny became an advocate for children with disabilities. He soon realized that after the age of 21, many individuals with special needs face a lack of opportunities, which led him to start the team. With the success of a similar initiative in Hapoel’s soccer program, Danny decided to create a unified basketball team.

The project faced challenges early on – from securing gym space to hiring experienced coaches – but with support from local authorities and organizations, the team began to take shape. Players with disabilities were recruited through the Center for Independent Living, and Hapoel fans filled the remaining spots.

The primary goal of the team was to give people with disabilities the chance to play basketball, build friendships, and break free from isolation. Practices became a lifeline, offering a space for growth, confidence, and connection. It also helped combat the inactivity that many individuals with disabilities experience after turning 21.

What started as a local project in Tel Aviv has now spread across Israel, with five other “Equals” teams established. The success of Hapoel’s One Team program has inspired other clubs to launch similar initiatives, showing that inclusion can thrive in any sport.

The team continues to innovate, with new initiatives like an independent homework framework and monthly meetings with Hapoel's youth department, teaching the importance of acceptance and diversity to younger generations.

Hapoel’s unified basketball team is more than just a sports program; it’s a powerful symbol of how diversity and inclusion can change lives. Through teamwork and mutual respect, the team is leading the way in creating a more inclusive Israel, proving that everyone deserves a place to play and belong.

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Airidas, one of Zalgiris Kaunas's One Team participants in the 2022-23 Turkish Airlines EuroLeague season, took full advantage of the club's program and ended up discovering a new lifelong passion. This Part 2 video takes a deeper look of his day-to-day life and his One Team journey, as well as his experience at the 2023 EuroLeague Final Four in Kaunas, Lithuania.

Airidas puts his passion into action thanks to One Team

Airidas, [one of Zalgiris Kaunas's One Team participants](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/one-team/news/airidass-success-story-how-one-team-helped-him-find-himself/) in the 2022-23 Turkish Airlines EuroLeague season, took full advantage of the club's program and ended up discovering a new lifelong passion. This Part 2 video takes a deeper look of his day-to-day life and his One Team journey, as well as his experience at the 2023 EuroLeague Final Four in Kaunas, Lithuania.

Andra Kniukstaite, Zalgiris's One Team Manager, said: "Airidas’s example, as well as all the others, only encourages us to act more and continue to do what we started, because it is important, valuable and beneficial for society."

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.

One Team-BKT Legacy Project opens refurbished courts in Athens

Watch last week's One Team Games action!

The 12th One Team Annual Workshop took place near Barcelona last week, allowing Turkish Airlines EuroLeague and 7DAYS EuroCup clubs to meet in person again to learn even more about the program and how best to implement its methodology during the 2022-23 season.

One Team Annual Workshop celebrates 12th edition

One Team, Fenerbahce Beko Istanbul and BKT carried out an educational session for the Fenerbahce Beko Istanbul One Team participants following the Sustainability Goal 13, Climate Action. The session was held on the new indoor refurbished court where the participants had an open debate with the qualified guests on climate crisis and gained awareness on how to take good care of the planet through various basketball exercises.

One Team-BKT legacy project: Climate Change Session

Euroleague Basketball’s One Team, together with Fenerbahce Beko Istanbul and BKT, executed a SDG 5 session with its One Team participants, supported by qualified guests and One Team Ambassador, Ismet Akpinar. In this session, One Team participants had the opportunity to reflect on imposed stereotypical assumptions on genders and its negative effects, meanwhile encouraging to take action towards gender equality by using the power of basketball. 

One Team-BKT legacy project: Gender Equality Session

Two newly-refurbished basketball courts opened in Istanbul thanks to a joint project between One Team, Euroleague Basketball's social responsibility program, and its partner BKT. The indoor and outdoor courts are located at the public TEB Atasehir Anatolian High School, the partner of Fenerbahce Beko Istanbul's One Team program.

One Team and BKT open new courts in Istanbul

One Team, BKT open new courts in Istanbul

Valencia successfully completes One Team program

Datome, Melli, Hines highlight players' One Team role

Get ready for the One Team Walking Challenge!

Get ready for One Team Walking Challenge

AX Armani Milan celebrates One Team achievements

LDLC ASVEL One Team Program

One Team IX - IES Peset Aleixandre Paterna (La Coma)

One Team welcomes Final Four volunteers

Zalgiris's Lauvergne, One Team stars discuss self-confidence

One Team with Kyle Hines

One Τeam: Coach... Sasha!

Finding motivation with Joffrey Lauvergne and One Team

One Team Life Skills - EP 2 | Communication

One Team Life Skills - EP 1 | Respect

One Team Games offered message of inspiration

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As the excitement of the 2025 Turkish Airlines EuroLeague Final Four fills the air in Abu Dhabi, volunteers took their first official steps into the event on Thursday, May 22, thanks to an energizing and inspiring One Team Welcome Session.

Final Four Volunteers united by One Team spirit in Abu Dhabi

As the excitement of the 2025 Turkish Airlines EuroLeague Final Four fills the air in Abu Dhabi, volunteers took their first official steps into the event on Thursday, May 22, thanks to an energizing and inspiring One Team Welcome Session.

Held on court and guided by One Team Coaches from AS Monaco, Olympiacos Piraeus, and Panathinaikos AKTOR Athens, the session brought the volunteers together and helped create a real team-like mentality at the Final Four. Leading the experience was Euroleague Basketball’s long-time One Team Ambassador Joe Arlauckas, who brought his signature energy and heartfelt message about the deeper role of sport.

"The volunteers' day is one of my favorite days as a One Team Ambassador," said Arlauckas. "Not only do you know the people that are from behind the scenes, but you also get to watch them in action as they continue to work together over Final Four weekend. The work that they do behind the scenes really helps make the Final Four the incredible product that it is."

Throughout the afternoon, volunteers rotated through seven engaging stations focused on essential life skills like leadership, communication, teamwork, and confidence-building. The space buzzed with collaboration as participants from across the globe connected over their shared commitment to the game and the community around it.

"Volunteers are the heartbeat of any major event — their energy and commitment make everything possible," said Marcel Maneja, Sustainability Manager at Euroleague Basketball. "To recognize their vital role, we held a special One Team session before the event, using the Euroleague One Team program methodology. This collaborative experience did more than prepare our volunteers; it fostered meaningful connections, strengthened teamwork, and laid the foundation for strong, lasting relationships among the participants."

Under the guidance of experienced coaches and alongside Arlauckas, volunteers not only learned the principles of the One Team program but also got to experience each principle in every drill and discussion.

“The One Team session is a great opportunity at every Final Four to create a team atmosphere, connecting volunteers from different areas, and showcasing the union of values and basketball," said Javier Barcala, Final Four Volunteers Coordinator. "As a participant since 2015, in different formats I still consider it a key moment of the Final Four week.”

The day wrapped up on a high note, with the volunteers gathering for photos beside the EuroLeague trophy. Laughter and selfies were aplenty, marking not just the start of the Final Four weekend but the beginning of countless shared memories.

In Abu Dhabi, a new group of volunteers stepped forward not only to support an event but to live out its values. Throughout the Final Four, these volunteers will carry with them the spirit of One Team as they make a positive difference together.

This session helped set the tone for the days ahead

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