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

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Final Four One Team in photos

The EuroLeague Final Four is the perfect place for One Team to demonstrate the way in which it impacts lives all year round. Check out the gallery of One Team activities and special moments in Abu Dhabi.

The 2025 Turkish Airlines EuroLeague Final Four in Abu Dhabi provided a powerful platform for One Team – Euroleague Basketball’s social responsibility program – to highlight how basketball can inspire inclusion, connection, and community impact.

United by One Team in Abu Dhabi

The 2025 Turkish Airlines EuroLeague Final Four in Abu Dhabi provided a powerful platform for One Team – Euroleague Basketball’s social responsibility program – to highlight how basketball can inspire inclusion, connection, and community impact. From May 22 to 25, a series of special One Team events showcased the heart of the program’s work throughout the season.

 “Seeing the power of One Team come to life during the Final Four is always incredibly meaningful,” said Marcel Maneja, Sustainability Manager at Euroleague Basketball. “These moments reflect everything we stand for – bringing people together, breaking down barriers, and showing that basketball can be a force for positive change in every community we reach.”

The celebration began with a welcome session for Final Four volunteers. This dynamic, on-court experience featured seven activity stations, each designed to promote core life skills such as communication, confidence, and teamwork. Led by One Team coaches from [AS Monaco](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/en/euroleague/teams/as-monaco/mco/), [Olympiacos Piraeus](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/en/euroleague/teams/olympiacos-piraeus/oly/), and [Panathinaikos AKTOR Athens](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/en/euroleague/teams/panathinaikos-aktor-athens/pan/), with support from One Team Ambassador Joe Arlauckas, the session helped volunteers connect with each other and understand the wider One Team methodology.

“For me it’s gratification,” said Arlauckas. “The way I get to feel after I’m done working with the volunteers, with just the group in general. I’m very proud and privileged and honored to be a part of such an incredible foundation.”

Later in the week, the spotlight turned to inclusion as athletes from Special Olympics UAE took to the court at Mubadala Arena. Joined by One Team Coaches, Ambassadors, and adidas NextGen EuroLeague Finals players, the athletes participated in a joyful session and animated exhibition game. It was a moment of shared celebration, capped off with all participants gathering in a circle and chanting “One Team”, with the memory being remembered thanks to photos and autographs.

“One Team has allowed me to understand and allowed me to show what basketball means and how basketball can truly translate to multiple cultures, multiple people, and how it can teach life lessons,” said Kyle Hines, four-time EuroLeague champion and One Team Ambassador.

The celebration continued inside Etihad Arena, where the Special Olympics athletes were honored at halftime of the third-place game between Olympiacos and Panathinaikos. Standing alongside Joe Arlauckas, they took center stage for a powerful recognition moment on the floor that saw the fans inside the arena give them a round of applause.

These inspiring moments demonstrated that the Final Four in Abu Dhabi was about much more than elite competition. It was a celebration of shared values, unforgettable connections, and the belief that every ability deserves to shine.

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

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.

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.

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

The event took place in Canyadó on June 24

One Team, BKT, and The Ricky Rubio Foundation refurbish historic Badalona basketball court

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 sport’s values.

The refurbishment, which took place on June 24, is part of the ongoing One Team–BKT Legacy Project, which has seen basketball courts across Europe transformed into modern, welcoming spaces for local communities.

BKT, an multinational company that specializes in the production of off-highway tires and Euroleague Basketball’s Premium Partner, has been a driving force behind the One Team–BKT Legacy Project since 2021. Past refurbishments in [Athens](https://eur04.safelinks.protection.outlook.com/?url=https%3A%2F%2Fid.euroleague.net%2Fpublicapi%2Fv1%2Fcommunication%2Flink%2F155E4B73-27DE-1578-1B34-B95C6458CAAF%2Fff729eb08e1083070bd15d5629a1f28373051f1ff509a4b63077119056efc0b9_3808&data=05|02|carla.ferrer%40euroleague.net|4da5e5c87dcc4af8c54408ddb3515cc4|2b3d64f0329542979f1528435f0a62ce|1|0|638863884248234281|Unknown|TWFpbGZsb3d8eyJFbXB0eU1hcGkiOnRydWUsIlYiOiIwLjAuMDAwMCIsIlAiOiJXaW4zMiIsIkFOIjoiTWFpbCIsIldUIjoyfQ%3D%3D|0|||&sdata=aEVqwZ0dbJChb0PdHkLGWPyd6fbZS6MZ0I8aKMKPtQM%3D&reserved=0), [Istanbul](https://eur04.safelinks.protection.outlook.com/?url=https%3A%2F%2Fid.euroleague.net%2Fpublicapi%2Fv1%2Fcommunication%2Flink%2F69EDDF83-0ACF-A71E-A185-F404CB22E91D%2Fff729eb08e1083070bd15d5629a1f28373051f1ff509a4b63077119056efc0b9_3808&data=05|02|carla.ferrer%40euroleague.net|4da5e5c87dcc4af8c54408ddb3515cc4|2b3d64f0329542979f1528435f0a62ce|1|0|638863884248247225|Unknown|TWFpbGZsb3d8eyJFbXB0eU1hcGkiOnRydWUsIlYiOiIwLjAuMDAwMCIsIlAiOiJXaW4zMiIsIkFOIjoiTWFpbCIsIldUIjoyfQ%3D%3D|0|||&sdata=nTEf2lXpNjCnmNKFxgt70oKEgyV%2BTi%2B5zNVWV5HpjcU%3D&reserved=0) and [Berlin](https://eur04.safelinks.protection.outlook.com/?url=https%3A%2F%2Fid.euroleague.net%2Fpublicapi%2Fv1%2Fcommunication%2Flink%2FE5383119-29D3-A427-91FE-20A8743AAE27%2Fff729eb08e1083070bd15d5629a1f28373051f1ff509a4b63077119056efc0b9_3808&data=05|02|carla.ferrer%40euroleague.net|4da5e5c87dcc4af8c54408ddb3515cc4|2b3d64f0329542979f1528435f0a62ce|1|0|638863884248260158|Unknown|TWFpbGZsb3d8eyJFbXB0eU1hcGkiOnRydWUsIlYiOiIwLjAuMDAwMCIsIlAiOiJXaW4zMiIsIkFOIjoiTWFpbCIsIldUIjoyfQ%3D%3D|0|||&sdata=Uqd4uJJDgnR1KPOr2wV2iOhN7JySsuB79GmZxAQlB28%3D&reserved=0) have already created a lasting impact for thousands of young people.

“It’s an honor to support another project that goes beyond sport,” said Lucia Salmaso, Managing Director of BKT Europe. “We believe in these kinds of initiatives because they show how basketball can build bridges — not just between people, but between generations. We’re proud to be part of something that’s so rooted in the community, and we are enthusiastic to continue our journey with One Team, in order to add value and make a real contribution to local communities.”

“This project really speaks to what One Team-BKT Legacy Project” said Alex Ferrer, Chief Marketing Communications Officer at Euroleague Basketball. “It’s about more than sport. It’s about people, stories, and giving young voices a role in shaping their own communities. And once again, we’re grateful to BKT for making it possible.”

This particular court carries deep meaning. It’s where several of Spain’s top basketball talents developed their love for basketball — including Ricky Rubio, Raül López, Àlex Mumbrú, and Brooklyn Nets head coach Jordi Fernández.

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When Ricky Rubio heard the idea, he immediately saw the potential to do more than just resurface a court. “We wanted this to be about more than basketball,” said Rubio. “The court has so much history for the neighborhood and for the city, and we wanted to turn it into something transformational for the next generation.”

With that in mind, the Ricky Rubio Foundation partnered with Institut La Riera, a nearby school. As part of their Community Service program, students got involved in every step — from digging into the court’s history to speaking with neighbors and players and even contributing to the court’s design.

That community-driven approach was backed by One Team, Euroleague Basketball’s social responsibility program. Since 2012, One Team together with its Founding Patron, Turkish Airlines has worked across Europe to support young people facing social challenges, using basketball as a tool for growth and inclusion.

With work set to begin later this month, the refurbished Canyadó court will soon be ready for the next wave of talent — and for many more kids to make memories of their own.

<center><blockquote class="twitter-tweet"><p lang="en" dir="ltr">Something exciting is about to happen… 👀<br> <br>Tomorrow, La Gàbia gets a whole new look 🆕 We&#39;re proud to partner with <a href="https://twitter.com/BKTtires?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@BKTtires</a> &amp; The Ricky Rubio Foundation to make this project happen.🪄<br> <br>Get ready for a special event with @tresco_ball, <a href="https://twitter.com/JustBasket_?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@justbasket_</a>, @pulposneakers, and other… <a href="https://t.co/uxiDLVybca">pic.twitter.com/uxiDLVybca</a></p>&mdash; One Team Euroleague (@OTEuroleague) <a href="https://twitter.com/OTEuroleague/status/1937110910700544229?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">June 23, 2025</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></center>

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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

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Get ready for One Team Walking Challenge

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Our latest videos

Oscar da Silva is more than just a basketball player. He’s also passionate about giving back – and he’s doing it in a way that’s making the difference. 

Oscar da Silva: A role model on and off the court

Oscar da Silva is more than just a basketball player. He’s also passionate about giving back – and he’s doing it in a way that’s making the difference. As an ambassador for One Team, Euroleague Basketball’s social responsibility program, the FC Bayern Munich forward is using sport as a bridge to connect, uplift, and inspire.

“We’re in a position to drive change,” Da Silva says. “One Team gives us the chance to do exactly that. It’s a way to give back to our communities and connect with our supporters in a meaningful way.”

One Team works with clubs and players across Europe to tackle local social challenges, using basketball as a powerful tool for personal growth and inclusion. Da Silva has embraced that mission wholeheartedly, first doing so with FC Barcelona and now with Bayern.

His multicultural background – having grown up in Germany with a Brazilian father and German mother – helps him relate to a wide range of participants during the One Team sessions. Many of those who attend come from marginalized communities or face challenges that put them at risk of social exclusion.

While at Barcelona, Da Silva took part in weekly sessions with young inmates, using basketball to encourage self-confidence, teamwork, and hope for the future. His consistency and warmth left a real impression.

“What makes it all worth it is the love you receive from the kids,” he says. “Seeing them smile, laugh, have fun – that’s everything. Those little moments stay with you.”

Now in Munich, Da Silva is working with the Young Refugee Center, leading basketball sessions for unaccompanied minors who’ve arrived in Germany. His focus is on helping them feel included, learn life skills, and build community through sport.

For Da Silva, these experiences have had a big impact on him, too.

“The biggest thing I’ve learned is to play basketball with joy again,” he reflects. “To treat it like a passion, not just a job. It’s made me more grateful for what I do every day.”

Looking ahead, Da Silva remains committed to being hands-on. For him, the most meaningful way to make a difference is to be a person first and a player second.

“It’s not about visibility,” he says. “It’s about being present and connecting with people face to face.”

Da Silva embodies what it means to be a One Team Ambassador: he leads with heart, connects with purpose, and uses his platform to lift others. Through his work with youth, refugees, and vulnerable communities, he’s proving that the true spirit of sport goes far beyond the game.

“What I take home is how much the One Team program means to the participants – and what’s possible through it,” says Klara Benz, Bayern’s One Team Manager. “It’s not just about basketball. It’s about confidence, empathy, and growth.”

Her favorite memory? The One Team game day, when the kids realized they’d be playing in front of over 11,000 people.

“They performed with passion and unity,” she recalls. “Their smiles and joy lit up the entire arena. I’ll never forget it.”

The FC Bayern Munich player and One Team Ambassador is positively impacting people’s lives

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