Fenerbahçe, Bourg, and Milan win One Team awards 2025-26

The One Team Awards annually recognize EuroLeague and BKT EuroCup clubs whose community efforts have the greatest impact during the season. On the closing day of the 16th Annual One Team Seminar, held on September 9, the winners of the Program categories (Gold, Silver, and Bronze) and Best Ambassador were announced. Ten candidates competed for the top honors: Anadolu Efes Istanbul, Armani Olimpia Milan, Cedevita Olimpija Ljubljana, Cosea JL Bourg-en-Bresse, FC Bayern Munich, Fenerbahce Tarfin Istanbul, Kosner Baskonia Vitoria-Gasteiz, LDLC ASVEL Villeurbanne, Olympiacos Piraeus, and Panathinaikos AKTOR Athens.

Joe Arlauckas, ambassador of Euroleague Basketball, emphasized the importance of these recognitions: "Presenting these awards is always a special moment. All the individuals recognized today are doing something tangible for their community, and that always deserves to be celebrated." The One Team program represents a comprehensive model of corporate social responsibility that brings together each club's initiatives under the theme of community integration, actively addressing the United Nations Sustainable Development Goal 10 on reducing inequalities.

Fenerbahce Leads with Initiative Aimed at Seniors

Fenerbahce Tarfin Istanbul took home the Gold Award after developing an innovative initiative that opened its sessions to seniors in the community, many of whom suffered from loneliness. The program designed activities tailored to their needs that combined basketball with cultural and social experiences, generating significant impact beyond the court.

Beko, the club's main sponsor until the summer, maintained direct financial involvement and facilitated the participation of its own employees as volunteers. This collaboration resulted in a high retention rate, a steady influx of new participants, and notable digital outreach. Mert Ahmet Gunduz, the One Team head at Fenerbahce, stated: "This achievement belongs to everyone who contributed: Beko, the senior residences, Vitamin Agency, the club staff, the players, and the fans. Together we have shown how basketball can bring people together."

Bourg-en-Bresse and Milan Complete the Podium

Cosea JL Bourg-en-Bresse received the Silver Award for a program characterized by careful planning session by session, aimed at clear objectives. Its partnerships with organizations supporting people with intellectual disabilities date back several years and are renewed each season. Basketball coexists with cultural and artistic activities, while a solid base of volunteers maintains both funding and communication for the program transparently. Mathis Rolly, head of One Team in Bourg-en-Bresse, expressed: "One Team is a program that means a lot to us and the club, and this award recognizes all the work done."

Armani Olimpia Milan completed the podium with the Bronze Award for a program grounded in education, life skills, and psychological support. Cultural visits and external activities complemented basketball sessions, reaching diverse groups with nearly equal participation between men and women. Collaborators like Laureus and Scalo Milano provided additional resources throughout the season. Michele Samadan, head of One Team at Armani, noted: "It has been great teamwork both on and off the court. Special thanks to our staff and participants. This award is for all of us and for those who believe in the power of sport."

Sasha Vezenkov, Ambassador of the Year

Sasha Vezenkov, from Olympiacos Piraeus, was named Best One Team Ambassador after consistently participating in the program throughout the season, even on team rest days. Participants particularly valued his small and genuine gestures, free from any artifice. Vezenkov brought that same energy to the program's public projection, speaking about it in media appearances, podcasts, and social media.

Other candidates for the Best Ambassador award included Juancho Hernangómez (Panathinaikos AKTOR Athens), Paolo Galbiati (Kosner Baskonia Vitoria-Gasteiz), Retin Obasohan (Kids&Us Manresa), and Ziga Daneu (Cedevita Olimpija Ljubljana). The One Team program has reached thousands of people in cities across Europe during the 2025-26 season, reinforcing its position as a central social responsibility initiative in elite European basketball.

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