Special Olympics showcased at EUROBASKET 2009

Special Olympics basketball players were joined by former Polish National Team players Maciej Zieliniski and Andrzej Pluta for a demonstration match on the main court during the semi-finals day of EuroBasket 2009 in Poland on 19 Saturday 2009.  

Thousands of spectators were in attendance to welcome the Special Olympics team who received a standing ovation after a speech by Special Olympics Poland National Director, Piotr Mencina. The event was held during half time of Russia vs. Croatia game in Katowice.  Participation of Special Olympics basketball players and was made possible through a partnership between Special Olympics Europe/Eurasia and FIBA Europe. 

A spot promoting Special Olympics basketball and announcing the 2010 Special Olympics European Summer Games in Warsaw was projected on the cube (giant screen in the basketball hall) before all 12 matches of EuroBasket final round in Katowice. The 30 members of the Special Olympics delegation had a chance to attend two Eurobasket matches and were presented the official EuroBasket 2009 ball.  

Photo: Demonstration match on the main court in Warsaw on 19 September, involving Special Olympics basketball players and former Polish National Team players Maciej Zieliniski and Andrzej Pluta. (Photo by Piotr Hawalej)