Dubai Basketball Collaborates with Special Olympics UAE for EuroLeague One Team Programme

21 hours ago

21 hours ago

Dubai Basketball Collaborates with Special Olympics UAE for EuroLeague One Team Programme

2026-10-22T14:30+04:00

The Euroleague One Team programme began with Dubai Basketball, and for this season the team will work with Special Olympics UAE, with Dubai player Kosta Kondic as its ambassador.

Dubai Basketball has started the second season of its One Team programme officially this week. This year, the team will work with Special Olympics UAE, using basketball to support inclusion and build stronger links with the community.

The programme will work with players aged 12 to 18 from Special Olympics UAE. Sessions will combine basketball with activities that help build confidence, encourage participation and develop teamwork.

Alba Olcina, Inclusion Projects Specialist, highlighted the programme’s focus on creating an inclusive environment and equal opportunities for all. “The One Team Programme is a project where everyone feels welcome and part of a team, creating equal opportunities for all. Sport is not a privilege; it is a right.”

This season, Kosta Kondic will once again be Dubai Basketball’s One Team ambassador. He will take part at different times during the season, spending time with the participants, sharing experiences and connecting the first team with the project.

One Team is Euroleague Basketball’s social responsibility programme. Created in 2012, it uses sport to help people feel part of their community. Each participating club develops a project based on the needs of its community, with activities that aim to make a positive difference beyond the court. Special Olympics UAE is also an international partner of the programme.

Amr Badawi, Special Olympics Sports Programme Manager, emphasised the importance of the initiative in providing athletes with opportunities to develop their skills and engage with the wider community.

“Today, we are holding the first session of the One Team Euroleague Basketball initiative. The programme gives People of Determination more opportunities to train, compete and be included in the community. This is part of our mission, and we appreciate this partnership with Dubai Basketball, which gives our athletes this great opportunity to be here.”

Through basketball, One Team promotes skills and values such as teamwork, respect and a sense of belonging. The aim is to help participants use what they learn in the sessions in their daily lives, building confidence and stronger relationships with others.

With this second season, Dubai Basketball continues its commitment to the community and its work with Special Olympics UAE, creating more opportunities for participation and learning through sport.