**Community Partner:** Special Olympics Hellas 

**Social Issue:** Disabilities - Intellectual disabilities 

**Ambassador:** Juancho Hernangomez, Dimitris Moraitis 

**Main Life Skills:** Job-related skills, Teamwork, Self-awareness, 

**About the program:**  

Panathinaikos AKTOR Athens, working in collaboration with Special Olympics Hellas for the fourth time, is proud to participate in Euroleague Basketball’s One Team program for the 2024/25 season. The club’s initiative focuses on using basketball as a tool to create social impact, particularly by addressing issues faced by individuals with intellectual disabilities. 

Throughout the season, Panathinaikos will host 16 weekly sessions at the OAKA Indoor Hall Training Center, specifically designed to help participants between the ages of 18 and 25 build essential life and job-related skills. The program will also focus on promoting self-awareness and developing motor and teamwork skills through basketball drills. 

Led by One Team Coach Artemis Panagi, and supported by coaches from the Panathinaikos academy and Special Olympics, the sessions will combine sports training with personal development. Additionally, each participant will get the unique opportunity to take on the role of assistant coach for a day, encouraging leadership and responsibility. 

This season’s program is expected to involve over 20 participants, who will not only improve their basketball skills but also gain valuable experiences that contribute to their personal and social development. At the end of the season, participants will be awarded diplomas during a special closing event. 

Juancho Hernangomez is showcasing his talents beyond the basketball court as he continues his role as a One Team ambassador. Following his recognition as Best One Team Ambassador last season, Juancho remains dedicated to making a difference off the court, using his platform to inspire and uplift communities through the power of sport. He will also be joined by his teammate Dimitris Moraitis as a One Team Ambassador for this season. 

Panathinaikos is committed to using its platform to raise awareness about intellectual disabilities and promoting inclusivity both on and off the court.