Barcelona, Spain: Special Olympics, the world's largest sports organisation dedicated to changing the lives of children and adults with intellectual disabilities through sport is pleased to announce the official partnership between Special Olympics and Euroleague Basketball’s acclaimed corporate social responsibility programme, One Team. The partnership was announced at Euroleague’s annual One Team workshop in Barcelona.
"Special Olympics is one of the beacons of sport and social development and we are excited to partner with them through One Team," stated Jordi Bertomeu, Euroleague Basketball's President and CEO. “This partnership enhances a long-term relationship with Special Olympics through our Final Four collaborations. Now we are in a position to take that further through the One Team program and turn that relationship into a year-round partnership."
The partnership will see One Team and Special Olympics work together on a number of initiatives involving on-the-ground projects, skills exchanges and mutual support.
"Special Olympics is delighted to become a key strategic partner of Euroleague One Team," stated Mary Davis, Regional President of Special Olympics Europe Eurasia. "Now we have a stronger platform than ever before to use the power and joy of basketball to transform the lives of players with intellectual disabilities. One Team clubs and Special Olympics coaches and volunteers can together create valuable coaching and education programmes that will be powerful vehicles for inclusion and positive social change.”
"One Team is designed to use sport and social development as a means to achieve positive social change against a range of issues," said Isabel Gultresa, One Team Director. "For many years, Special Olympics has pioneered the use of sport to provide inspiration for and showcase those with special needs. We look forward to a close partnership and welcome Special Olympics to One Team."
Fifteen clubs from across the league are in Barcelona for the second annual One Team workshop together with partners, Euroleague members and experts in sport and social development.