**Community Partner:** ASD Pallacanestro Castel San Pietro Terme 2010 

**Social Issue:** Community Cohesion - Youth at Risk 

**Ambassador:** Achille Polonara 

**Main Life Skills:** Gender equality, Sense of community 

**About the program:** 

This year, Virtus Segafredo Bologna is excited to partner with ASD Pallacanestro Castel San Pietro Terme 2010, known for its dedication to promoting basketball in local elementary schools that lack physical education programs. Together, they will introduce basketball to children aged five to 13 of all ethnicities, including those with disabilities and cognitive or motor challenges, during their physical education classes. 

Inclusion is at the heart of ASD Castel San Pietro’s mission, with a strong commitment to promoting gender equality, community involvement, and ensuring that everyone has the chance to play sports. Using the One Team methodology, they aim to bring more children closer to basketball, offering the opportunity to develop not only their basketball skills but also valuable life skills that they can apply outside the gym. 

Participants and volunteers of the One Team program will receive discounted tickets to Virtus Segafredo Bologna games and will have the opportunity to attend exclusive events with teams’ sponsors, where they can share their experiences from the One Team program. At the end of the season, Virtus Segafredo Bologna will host a special One Team Day celebration. This event will bring together all participants to celebrate their progress, and each individual will receive a special kit as a token of appreciation for their dedication and commitment to the program. 

The program will also feature a series of special sessions throughout the year, including eco-awareness activities, parent engagement, and basketball games at the Virtus Segafredo Arena, creating unforgettable experiences for everyone involved. 

After returning to Italy, Achille Polonara is joining the One Team Ambassador program for the first time, bringing his passion and dedication to supporting community integration through sports.  