Dubai Basketball has officially launched its EuroLeague One Team initiative with the Emirates Down Syndrome Association (EDSA), hosting their first session of the programme participants on 17 November 2025. The club also announced that Dubai Basketball player Kosta Kondic will serve as the official ambassador for the programme, leading community engagement efforts and supporting the EDSA sports team throughout the season.

EuroLeague’s One Team programme uses basketball as a platform to promote inclusion, reduce inequalities, and drive meaningful social impact. Since 2012, the initiative has supported more than 27,000 participants across 21 countries. For the 2025/26 season, Dubai Basketball has selected Emirates Down Syndrome Association as its official social partner, working with a dedicated group of teens and adults currently enrolled in the association’s basketball activities.

With the support of EDSA, Dubai Basketball tipped off its first session, creating an inspiring and supportive environment for the team to learn basketball while building vital life skills such as teamwork, confidence, balance, coordination, and social inclusion.

Dejan Kamenjašević, General Manager of Dubai Basketball, highlighted the importance of the partnership, stating, “Our collaboration with the Emirates Down Syndrome Association is central to our vision of building a club that is truly accessible to everyone in our community. Dubai Basketball is more than what happens on the court – we are committed to bringing the joy of the game to every corner of society. With EDSA, we can turn this vision into reality, and we are excited to embark on this journey together.”

Dr Manal Jaroor, Chairperson of the Emirates Down Syndrome Association, expressed her enthusiasm for the project, saying, “We are delighted to partner with Dubai Basketball as part of EuroLeague Basketball’s One Team programme. Sport should be accessible to all, and through this collaboration, we can offer our participants world-class facilities, coaching, and inspiration. We look forward to creating a meaningful and long-lasting impact through this initiative.”

Sessions will take place over a five-month period, delivering a minimum of eight on-court sessions. Training will take place either at the Dubai Centre for Care and Rehabilitation of People of Determination or at Dubai Basketball’s professional training facility. Each 60-minute session is led by Dubai Basketball coaches, supported by club volunteers and coordinated closely with EDSA staff to ensure safety, continuity, and a positive learning experience.

This marks the first year of collaboration between Dubai Basketball and EDSA, with both organisations committed to extending their partnership beyond the 2025/26 One Team cycle. Future plans include expanded programme offerings, reinforcing a shared mission to promote inclusion and empowerment for people of determination in the UAE.

-ENDS-

About Dubai Basketball: 

Founded in 2023, Dubai Basketball is a newly established professional basketball franchise that plays in Europe’s EuroLeague and Adriatic Basketball Association (ABA) League for the 2025/26 season. The franchise has assembled a strong roster of players led by Head Coach Jurica Golemac. The club plays their home games at Coca-Cola Arena.

Dubai Basketball stands as a testament to the power of passion and dedication in shaping the landscape of basketball in the UAE and beyond. Its foundation is built upon a diverse and talented team, consisting of FIBA-certified coaches, former professional players, business experts, and passionate enthusiasts.

Dubai Basketball is committed to catalysing positive social change, where dreams are not just envisioned but realised, talents are not merely found but nurtured, and aspirations are not only lived but fulfilled.

Keep up to date with the latest news on Dubai Basketball by visiting www.dubaibasketball.com or on social media platforms:

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