AS Monaco Basketball has announced a new partnership with Special Olympics Monaco. The season-long collaboration, which aims to champion inclusivity and raise awareness about athletes with intellectual disabilities, will include engaging monthly events in line with the EuroLeague’s One Team programme.
This season, AS Monaco Basketball’s Mam Jaiteh and Georgios Papagiannis will be actively involved in an inclusive sports programme, interacting with members of Special Olympics Monaco, the local branch of the world’s largest sports movement for individuals with intellectual disabilities. The association provides year-round sports training and athletic competitions for children and adults with intellectual disabilities, with a mission to build physical fitness and courage while creating a fun and engaging environment for everyone involved.
On 26th November, Monaco Life attended one of the programme’s events, which was held at the Salle Gaston Médecin, AS Monaco Basketball’s home court.
The event began with 10 participants from Special Olympics Monaco introducing themselves to star player Jaiteh before engaging in a series of activities designed to build confidence and provide a space for unfiltered self-expression.
Speaking about the partnership, Victor Alvarez, the Roca Team’s Head of Marketing, told Monaco Life, “We chose to work with Special Olympics because the programme focuses on integration and fights exclusion, which aligns with our values at AS Monaco Basketball. The goal is to make a real impact, and having accessible players like Jaiteh spend time with the participants allows them to connect on a deeper level. It gives the participants insight into the life of a professional athlete while offering Jaiteh a unique and meaningful experience.”
Jaiteh, a centre for AS Monaco Basketball, added, “When I first heard about this programme, it resonated with me. I wanted to contribute, not just as an athlete, but by being part of this initiative and sharing my knowledge and experiences. Today’s session focuses on communication, and I think it’s a beautiful exchange of perspectives. I need to experience this journey alongside them.”
Similar events are planned in the coming months, with Papagiannis expected to lead December’s session.
To learn more about Special Olympics Monaco, click here.
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