The European Basketball community is giving unprecedented support to the seventh annual Special Olympics European Basketball Week from November 27th to December 5th. The concept of Special Olympics European Basketball Week is to have one week each year where everyone in the European basketball community commits to expand opportunities for players with intellectual disabilities. This year 15,000 athletes, 10,000 spectators, 5,000 volunteers and 3,000 families across 30 countries will be involved.
Basketball Week is possible through the generosity and vision of Turkish Airlines Euroleague, FIBA Europe and the European Union. It is a hugely important week in the Special Olympics calendar with basketball being one of the most popular sports among our athletes at 53,000 players and growing.
Because of its mass appeal Basketball brings those with and without intellectual disabilities together, breaking down barriers, changing attitudes and opening minds to the gifts and talents of people with intellectual disabilities. Our goal is to reach 56,000 players and 500 volunteer coaches by 2011 so that more players, families, coaches and spectators can enjoy the wonderful game of basketball and experience the benefits that this magnetic game brings.
Basketball Week is possible through the generosity and support of FIBA Europe, Turkish Airlines Euroleague and the European Union.
Promoting the Game
Basketball Week is the flagship event of the FIBA Europe - Special Olympics Europe/Eurasia (SOEE) partnership that was established in May 2004 with the aim of developing basketball for players with intellectual disabilities. Since then, the number of Special Olympics players in the region has increased from 13,000 to almost 53,000 players. One of the highlights of the partnership continues being the involvement of national basketball federations and professional clubs.
“FIBA Europe is happy to continue its endorsement of Basketball Week as part of our commitment to develop basketball for everyone in society to enjoy. Special Olympics European Basketball Week is hugely important because sport plays an integral role in society and touches many people in a highly positive and participatory way. Special Olympics uses sport as a catalyst to change the lives of people with intellectual disabilities and to promote respect, acceptance and inclusion.” – Nar Zanolin, Secretary General, FIBA Europe. See FIBA Europe's letter of endorsement
Turkish Airlines Euroleague For Life
Turkish Airlines Euroleague is one of Europe's most competitive basketball tournament. For the 2009/2010 season Turkish Airlines Euroleague has commited to use the popularity and visibility of their teams, players and league to support people with intellectual disabilities. Under the slogan 'Basketball for Everyone' Turkish Airlines Euroleague is promoting opportunities for everyone to enjoy the benefits of basketball. The committment is part of Turkish Airlines Euroleagues Social Responsibility Programme, Euroleague for Life. See our video
“We are very proud to offer our platform to raise awareness and support for Special Olympics Europe/Eurasia. Special Olympics athletes remind us of the true joy of the game and so they are an inspiration to the rest of the European Basketball community.” - Jordi Bertomeu, Turkish Airlines Euroleague CEO.
Partnership with the European Union
Basketball Week is kindly supported by the European Union.
“Sport has a very important social role. By helping to create a 'level playing field' among communities, it supports integration and defies discrimination. I know this is a priority for the Special Olympics movement and it is one that I share wholeheartedly." Androulla Vassiliou, European Commissioner for Sport
Unified Basketball®
The aim of Unified Basketball is to break down social barriers between people with intellectual disability and those without intellectual disabilities by bringing them together on teams for sports training and competition.
During Basketball Week, Unified Basketball matches will be played at local, regional and national tournaments across 30 countries.
Click here to download a brochure on Special Olympics European Basketball 2010.
For more information on European Basketball Week contact Miroslav Krogulec, Senior Manager, Organisational Development and Sports at mkrogulec@specialolympics.org