Copa Campeones Heads to Manresa for Second Stage, Promoting Inclusive Basketball

Manresa, Spain – Following a successful inaugural stage in Valencia, the Copa Campeones, a unique basketball tournament focused on inclusivity, will hold its second stage in Manresa from March 13th to 15th. The competition, organized under the auspices of the ACB Foundation, brings together six teams comprised of players with intellectual disabilities, showcasing the power of sport to break down barriers and foster camaraderie.

The tournament will feature BAXI Manresa, CB Sierra Nevada Natura Ability Granada, Unicaja, UCAM Murcia CB, CB Casademont Zaragoza, and Fundación Bàsquet Girona. This event isn’t just about basketball; it’s about celebrating the values of overcoming challenges, having fun, and building a supportive community – principles at the heart of the sport. The Copa Campeones aims to promote a more inclusive sporting landscape, demonstrating that basketball truly is a game for everyone.

Tournament Format and Groups

Each team will participate in group play on Saturday, March 14th, followed by direct matchups between the top teams from each group on Sunday, March 15th. The rules will mirror those of the first stage, ensuring a consistent and fair competition. Admission to the Nou Congost arena will be free of charge, up to capacity, encouraging broad community participation and support.

The teams have been divided into two groups:

• Group A: BAXI Manresa, UCAM Murcia CB, Unicaja
• Group B: CB Casademont Zaragoza, CB Sierra Nevada Natura Ability Granada, Fundación Bàsquet Girona

Schedule of Play – Manresa (March 14th & 15th)

Here’s a detailed appear at the schedule for the second stage of the Copa Campeones:

Saturday, March 14th

• Group A – 9:30 AM: BAXI Manresa vs. UCAM Murcia CB
• Group B – 10:30 AM: CB Casademont Zaragoza vs. CB Sierra Nevada Natura Ability Granada
• Group A – 11:30 AM: UCAM Murcia CB vs. Unicaja
• Group B – 2:00 PM: Fundación Bàsquet Girona vs. CB Casademont Zaragoza
• Group A – 3:00 PM: BAXI Manresa vs. Unicaja
• Group B – 4:00 PM: CB Sierra Nevada Natura Ability Granada vs. Fundación Bàsquet Girona

Sunday, March 15th

• 10:00 AM: 3rd Place Group A vs. 3rd Place Group B
• 11:00 AM: 2nd Place Group A vs. 2nd Place Group B
• 12:00 PM: 1st Place Group A vs. 1st Place Group B
• 1:15 PM: Medal Ceremony

Note: All times are local to Manresa, Spain.

A Growing Movement for Inclusive Basketball

The Copa Campeones was established to champion a sport that embraces inclusivity and embodies the core values of basketball: perseverance, enjoyment, and teamwork. The initiative, supported by Banco Mediolanum, Endesa, Toyota, and Fundación ONCE, along with contributions from Pelayo, Azulmarino, Wilson, and Special Olympics Spain, is gaining momentum as a powerful example of how sport can be a force for positive social change.

This year’s competition builds on the success of the first stage held in Valencia, and will continue in May with a final stage in Bilbao. The expansion to multiple cities demonstrates the growing interest and support for inclusive basketball initiatives across Spain. The tournament provides a platform for athletes with intellectual disabilities to showcase their skills, build confidence, and connect with their peers.

The Copa Campeones isn’t simply a basketball tournament; it’s a celebration of human potential and a testament to the unifying power of sport. It’s a reminder that everyone deserves the opportunity to participate and thrive, regardless of their abilities. The event’s free admission policy further underscores its commitment to accessibility and community engagement.

Following the Manresa stage, all eyes will turn to Bilbao in May as the inaugural Copa Campeones season draws to a close. The tournament’s continued success promises a bright future for inclusive basketball in Spain and beyond.

What’s Next: The Copa Campeones will conclude with the final stage in Bilbao in May. Stay tuned to Archysport for further updates and coverage of this inspiring tournament.

What are your thoughts on the Copa Campeones? Share your comments below!