BKT — a leading manufacturer of Off-Highway tires and Premium Partner of the Euroleague — leveraged the 2024 Final Four as an opportunity to pursue a project close to its heart. Attentive to the communities in which it operates, BKT sought once again to leave a lasting mark through urban redevelopment. On Friday, May 24th, BKT collaborated with One Team to refurbish a basketball court at the Lisa-Tetzner Schule elementary school in Berlin.

ENHANCING LIVES THROUGH SPORT

This initiative aimed to enhance the lives of young people at risk of exclusion, fostering growth through healthy social interaction and sports. The inauguration was supported by the prestigious ALBA Berlin, a club that has worked with the school for several seasons. With the Final Four taking place in the city, One Team and BKT joined forces to provide a safe, improved space for the local community to play and thrive.

VOICES FROM THE INAUGURATION

“It is a great pleasure to be here to inaugurate this court,” said Lucia Salmaso, Managing Director of BKT Europe. “This is the third project we have created along with One Team, and it is proof that we can support the growth of communities. I hope this court brings happiness, growth, and opportunity to all the kids and residents of this neighborhood.”

Abigail Martin, Director of Sustainability and Development Projects at Euroleague Basketball, added: “I am incredibly proud to open a third refurbished court thanks to our partnership with BKT. These projects are a highlight of the Final Four, where social work ends up with many excited children. We are so thankful for everyone’s efforts.”

LEGENDS ON THE COURT

During the event, participants took part in drills led by ALBA’s One Team coaches. Former ALBA center Patrick Femerling and former EuroLeague guard Heiko Schaffartzik joined the children in the activities. “The only reason the kids could have this fun is because the court exists,” commented Schaffartzik. “The EuroLeague will leave next week, but the court will stay here for the community. It is a fantastic thing.”

A LEGACY OF REHABILITATION

This marks the third consecutive year that One Team and BKT have partnered for court refurbishment, following successful projects at the Kypseli court in Athens and the TEB Atasehir Anatolian High School in Istanbul. Beyond the court, BKT’s commitment continued through the weekend with sessions featuring Final Four players and Ambassadors at Kraftwerk, bringing the biggest names in basketball closer to the fans.