**Community Partner:** Özel Sporcular Down Basketbol Takımı (Special Athletes Down Basketball Team) 

**Social Issue:** Intellectual Disabilities – Down Syndrome 

**Ambassadors:** [Kris Bankston](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/en/eurocup/players/kris-bankston/012760/) 

**Main Life Skills:** Communication, Confidence, Inclusion, Leadership, Motivation, Respect, Responsibility, and Teamwork 

**About the Program:** 

The collaboration between Türk Telekom Basketball and the Özel Sporcular Down Basketbol Takımı, a local organization working with athletes with Down syndrome, has become a cornerstone of the club’s community engagement efforts, creating a meaningful and sustainable platform for empowerment, visibility, and equal opportunities in sport.  

The program builds a relationship that already exists beyond the court: the athletes are active supporters of the team, attend games regularly, and are fully integrated into the Türk Telekom family. Through One Team, the club aims to deepen this bond by providing structured, weekly basketball sessions designed not only to improve motor and athletic skills, but also to reinforce communication, confidence, teamwork, and personal development. 

This year’s One Team program centers on promoting social inclusion and reducing inequalities for people with intellectual disabilities—aligning closely with the goals of the partner organization and with the broader mission of One Team. The program helps challenge stereotypes, promote independence, and highlight the abilities and potential of individuals with Down syndrome, both as athletes and valued members of the sports community. 

Kris Bankston will serve as the club’s One Team Ambassador for the season. His involvement will not only inspire the participants but will also highlight the club’s commitment to inclusion and equal opportunities. Through his presence, guidance, and interaction with the group, Bankston will play a meaningful role in motivating the athletes and reinforcing the program’s core values. 

For Türk Telekom Basketball, One Team is much more than a series of weekly activities, it is a long-term commitment to building community, empowering athletes with intellectual disabilities, and demonstrating how sport can create meaningful social impact.  