The FIBA EuroBasket 2025 is not only delivering spectacle on the court, but also marking a before and after in the way we understand sport as a driver of social change. Amid the intensity of the games and the passion of the fans, a series of initiatives were launched that invited inclusion, active participation, and the value of sharing experiences through basketball.
In this edition, the Basketball For Good project took a leading role, connecting young people, athletes, and communities around the idea that basketball is not only a competition, but also a tool that opens doors, inspires, and creates equality. From Finland to Latvia, each action demonstrated that the true legacy of the tournament goes beyond the sports results.
Basketball as a bridge to inclusion
One of the most moving milestones was the first International Unified Basketball Camp of Europe, organized in Tampere, Finland in collaboration with Special Olympics. There, participants with disabilities from different countries experienced intense days that combined training, spaces for integration, and moments of joy together. The most symbolic moment came during halftime of a EuroBasket game, when the campers jumped onto the court and felt the warmth of thousands of people cheering their efforts.
These experiences were enriched by virtual seminars with experts such as Lauri Aaltonen, who shared insights on inclusive leadership and the role of sport in building more open communities. The camp not only provided technical tools, but also the certainty that basketball can be a universal language to unite people beyond their differences.
From the court to the community
The inclusive spirit did not remain in Finland. When the competition moved to Riga, Latvia, the project continued with new games during halftime, where young people with intellectual disabilities could take the spotlight. These events, organized together with Special Olympics and the FIBA Foundation, reminded everyone that true victory lies in providing opportunities and giving visibility to those who often remain on the sidelines.
Beyond the unique moment of playing in front of their idols and the crowd, each participant took home a jersey and a ball—tangible memories of an experience that will remain in their hearts. Beyond the object, what was imprinted on each of them was the conviction that sport can transform lives, reinforcing the commitment of the FIBA Foundation to a legacy that combines passion, inclusion, and hope.
