Everything Counts for Special Olympics European Basketball Week 2020!
This year, everything is different – and Special Olympics European Basketball Week has to be too. But this doesn’t mean it can’t be as inclusive as ever. Between 28 November and 6 December, whether players are forced to stay at home, or can get out on the court with a local team, every shot, every basket, every dribble counts! We want players across Europe to support each other, connect and show us their basketball moves online!
Supported by Special Olympics partners, FIBA Europe and Euroleague Basketball One Team, European Basketball Week 2020 (#EBW2020) focuses in particular on what you can do from your home, as well as Unified Youth Basketball & 3x3 Basketball.
This year, due to the ongoing impact of Covid-19, there is a particular focus on how you can train, play and stay active even from your own home. For example, young ballers can join Jr. NBA online training dedicated to Special Olympics youth players on 3 December. Meanwhile, an array of 3x3 basketball courses are offered by FIBA via the FIBA 3x3 e-learning portal.
Some countries and regions can also offer safe onsite events this year. It’s anticipated that 7,000 players with and without intellectual disabilities in 15 countries will come together for over 100 local, regional, national and virtual basketball events.
Special Olympics Europe Eurasia President and Managing Director, David Evangelista said, “This year, European Basketball Week has to be very different for many dedicated basketball players across Europe Eurasia. Due to the many restrictions in place in nations across the region, many can’t train with their team, can’t compete, and can’t meet in person for that vital social connection that all of us need. But I know our athletes – they are some of the toughest, most resilient athletes in the world. They know how to dig deep in times of adversity. They know how to overcome challenges. They’ll train at home, connect online, show their skills and look forward to a time when they can compete together again. They are indeed a model for us all. European Basketball Week is different this year- but make no mistake, it is as inclusive as ever!”
Whatever is happening around us, Special Olympics’ long-standing partners, FIBA Europe and Euroleague Basketball One Team are unwavering in their support of European Basketball Week.
"FIBA Europe feels incredibly proud to support and contribute to the Special Olympics European Basketball Week during this challenging time," Kamil Novak, FIBA Executive Director Europe, noted.
"For the European basketball community, recent months have been all about staying together and united while overcoming common hurdles. The key values of our sport – strength, resilience and teamwork – took on an even greater meaning in the face of new obstacles. Reaching out, creating connections and promoting diversity has always been at the heart of FIBA's mission. In the current context, we feel that the general message of inclusion #EBW2020 champions is as important as it has ever been, and we feel privileged to be part of this Special Olympics initiative."
Special Olympics Ireland will be celebrating European Basketball week with a series of videos launching next week.
Follow our social media channels to join in:
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/SpecialOlympicsIreland
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/specialolympicsireland/
Twitter: https://twitter.com/SOIreland
Learn more about #EBW2020: www.specialolympics.org/ebw
