Today Special Olympics launches its annual milestone basketball event that organizers promise will be ‘better than ever’.
More than 25,000 players participate European Basketball Week (EBW) in more than 35 countries in Europe and Eurasia.
The event, which runs from November 25 to December 3, is in its 22nd yeari.e encourages national federations, basketball and community clubs to organize events that promote this sport for athletes with intellectual disabilities.
Activities include more than 250 local, national, international and school basketball competitions – from full-court tournaments to the increasingly popular 3×3 format – and individual matches or clinics for boys, girls and mixed teams.
Better than ever
Mirek Krogulec, Vice President Sport of Special Olympics Europe Eurasia, said: “This year’s European Basketball Week will be even better than ever.
“Now that it’s 22i.e Growing organically each year at local and international levels, it is a core part of long-term basketball development in Europe.
“The players and coaches are really looking forward to this week – to enjoy the competition, travel to other cities and meet their basketball heroes.”
Great examples of basketball clubs that have opened their doors and hearts to the Special Olympics over the past ten years Panathinaikos Athens, Zalgiris Kaunas And Red Star Belgrade.
They continue to cooperate One team of Euroleague Basketball program, not only for EBW but throughout the 2025/2026 season, where people with intellectual disabilities are invited for regular tailor-made training, to watch the matches and meet the players.
Partnership
The European Basketball Week has been organized in collaboration with FIBA Europe since 2004 and with FIBA Foundation since 2019.
Theren (TJ) Bullock, head of the FIBA Foundation, said basketball is a powerful tool for inclusivity and empowerment.
“Supporting Special Olympics athletes isn’t just about one week – it’s about creating year-round opportunities for people with intellectual disabilities to experience joy, build confidence and connect through the values of our sport,” he added.
He had a strong message for the athletes taking part in the event, which is supported by EBW partners.
“To every athlete who steps onto the field, you are the heartbeat of this movement,” Theren said.
“Basketball is more than a game: it is a celebration of unity, courage and friendship.
“Play with pride, embrace every moment and know that your passion inspires communities around the world. Together we show that sport truly has the power to change lives.”
Euroleague women’s teams
This year, more and more female players will participate in EBW.
Euroleague Women’s Teams, which last year diversity celebrated with the European Basketball Week 2024will continue welcoming Special Olympics athletes to their courts during EBW 2025 and beyond.
Schools
The event will reach even more schools, thanks to a partnership between federations and the FIBA Hoops4Schools project, which introduces basketball to primary schools in engaging and accessible ways, even providing them with equipment and coaching.
The countries with the most participants and events planned for this year’s EBW are Italy and Greece.
Uniform sports teams
More Unified basketball teams will also participate, with athletes with and without intellectual disabilities playing together.
This was welcomed by Unified partner Amira Nyibong from Finland.
“This is definitely a good thing because I feel like a lot of people don’t know about Unified teams,” said Amira.
“When I tell people I play Unified Basketball, the first reaction is just, ‘What is that?’
“So it’s great to have a big event like this, involving and promoting Unified teams.”
Fittingly, the last day of the event, December 3, is also International Day of Persons with Disabilities.
It also takes place just before the very first one Special Olympics Unified 3×3 Basketball World Cup from December 5 to 7 in San Juan, Puerto Rico.
The EBW 2025 activities are kindly supported by partners Toyota Motor Europe, UPS and ON, which focuses on Unified with Refugees events.
Photo by Claire Behan
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