„Alone we can do so little; together we can do so much“, said Helen Keller (June 27, 1880 – June 1, 1968), an American author and disability rights advocate.
The project „Inclusion through sports for children with developmental disabilities” showed a great possibility and breadth of implementation and connection of different stakeholders, institutions, professionals, people with broad hearts and great talents.
The power of the ball and the field surpasses the boundaries of sports and translates into a whole story about the true meaning of inclusion in our lives. Exactly what we want to achieve with the project, that inclusion should be lived, not just talked about.
In February, our athletes and partners had the opportunity to train together with BC Buducnost Voli basketball players who are National Champions in Montenegro and Champions of ABA League (2018). within the One Team program. One Team program is Euroleague Basketball’s corporate social responsibility (CSR) program, and with the collaboration of Special Olympics as Proud Partner, uses basketball to achieve real social impact in our communities.
The children were delighted with the approach of the basketball players who trained with them, teach them basic basketball techniques and encouraged them to continue playing sports.
But the story does not end here. Our athletes showed their gratitude participating as fans at the ABA League game BC Buducnost Voli- BC Mega MIS (94-77) on April 28. Unified cheering with teammates as part of inclusive activities off was focused on developing communication and social skills, but also adaptive abilities, independence. During the game coaches talked with our athletes and partners about what they learnt in training: warm-up as proffesional players do, fair play, teamwork and finally – victory as the crown of successful work and training.
In honor of the inclusion this project supports among athletes and partners outside of training and competition, we will conclude with another fitting quote from Cicero: „ Life without friendship is nothing“.
Working together for an inclusive Europe!