|
|
|
|
| |
| Best One Team programs and Ambassador from 2024-25 season honored at One Team Annual Workshop |
| |
YOU CAN DOWNLOAD FREE OF RIGHTS PICTURES ONLY FOR EDITORIAL USE HERE
Every season, the One Team Awards celebrate the clubs in the EuroLeague and BKT EuroCup that make a real difference in their communities through impactful social projects. The 2024-25 season, once again, showcased how basketball can be a powerful tool for change, reaching thousands of people across Europe.
On Tuesday, September 9, during the closing day of the 15th One Team Annual Workshop, the spotlight was placed on those clubs who went above and beyond with their One Team initiatives. The Gold, Silver, and Bronze Program Awards were revealed, along with the Best One Team Ambassador accolade.
The event also featured a special call with Kyle Hines, a four-time EuroLeague champion and long-time Global One Team Ambassador, who underlined the value of the program after officially retiring from basketball, as well as Adam Waczynski, who spent three years as a One Team Ambassador during his time playing for Unicaja Malaga in the EuroLeague and EuroCup.
"Even though I’ve just closed the chapter on my playing career, my belief in the power of basketball to change lives remains,” said Kyle Hines, Global One Team Ambassador. “One Team proves every day that what happens off the court is just as important as what happens on it. When we come together to support these programs, we give people confidence, hope, and the tools to succeed well beyond basketball. That’s why One Team is so special – and why all of us have a responsibility to keep pushing its mission forward."
One Team Gold Program: LDLC ASVEL Villeurbanne
This year’s Gold Award goes to LDLC ASVEL Villeurbanne, whose program stood out for its creativity, consistency, and deep community engagement. Across more than a hundred sessions tailored to children, teenagers, and adults with intellectual disabilities, ASVEL provided consistent support guided by a multidisciplinary team that included doctors and psychologists, fostering inclusion and confidence through basketball.
The program went beyond basketball, offering participants opportunities in climbing, rugby, media appearances, and activities at the Paralympic Village, all designed to build confidence and life skills.
“It’s a real honor to achieve the gold award for this year,” said Valentine Traclet, ASVEL’s One Team Manager. “For me it’s more important to keep this impact for the people we represent, people with disabilities, and One Team is so important for that. It is important to keep improving the program across the whole club because it has a real impact on people, so we need to keep working on this.”
One Team Silver Program: Cedevita Olimpija Ljubljana
Cedevita Olimpija Ljubljana earned the Silver Award thanks to a program that blended creativity, innovation, and genuine care for its participants. One of the standout features was the introduction of an internship initiative, which helped young people prepare for real-world tasks such as merchandising, email communication, and event operations. This practical experience gave participants valuable skills for their future while strengthening their confidence.
Adding a personal touch, Cedevita organized special activities such as amusement park visits, professional haircuts, Christmas gifts, and diplomas, making each participant feel celebrated and supported.
The program’s reach was expanded through national television coverage, an active social media strategy, and a strong online presence, ensuring that its impact resonated well beyond the basketball court.
“It means a lot to us because it’s a way of recognizing that our program is good and that we are doing good stuff for the people who cannot do it for themselves,” said Matic Lisac, Cedevita’s One Team Manager. “We’ll keep trying to do even better this year.”
One Team Bronze Program: Umana Reyer Venice
Umana Reyer Venice secured the Bronze Award for its long-standing work with local youth. The initiative combined basketball with wider social goals, including internships, anti-violence walks, unified games, and in-arena recognition, giving participants a sense of pride, visibility, and belonging, ensuring participants were supported in multiple aspects of their lives.
Communication played a central role: weekly social media posts, ambassador involvement by Juan Manuel Fernández and Davide Casarin, plus coverage on TV and radio, helped maximize the program’s reach.
Backed by powerful personal stories and authentic testimonies, Reyer Venice showed how One Team can connect hearts and minds, making their project resonate both locally and internationally.
“It was an honor and a pleasure to be here,” said Roberta Meneghel, Reyer’s One Team Manager. “Thank you for the award. I want to thank all the club, all the organization, the two ambassadors, Juan and Davide, who helped us to achieve this amazing award.”
“It’s amazing for us to achieve this trophy,” said Marco Mainente, Reyer’s One Team Coach. It’s amazing for me to be here for the second time in my life and to achieve this. Thank you so much.”
Best One Team Ambassador: Juancho Hernangómez
For the second consecutive year, Juancho Hernangómez of Panathinaikos AKTOR Athens was named Best One Team Ambassador. His dedication and enthusiasm have set the standard for what it means to be an ambassador. Juancho not only attended every session but also actively participated in every drill, spent time mentoring participants, and consistently used his platform to raise awareness of the program.
Beyond the court, he showed genuine care by surprising participants with personal gestures and always going the extra mile to support the initiative. His involvement has been praised as a model of commitment and humanity, making him a cornerstone of the One Team mission.
|
| |
|
|
|
|
|
