Satchel x BC Rytas event for youths with disabilities
On Sunday, January 26, together with our partner, BC Rytas team, Satchel invited youths with disabilities to a playful basketball masterclass in Active Vilnius arena. Our guests were the pupils of Vilnius Verkiai school – multifuncional center and the members of Mirabilia association uniting young adults with disabilities and their families.
The event, one in a series of Rytas’ Together Against All campaign, marks the continuous and like-minded partnership between Satchel and Vilnius basketball club. Both organizations actively implement corporate social responsibility efforts, guided by the uniting principle: being diverse, we are still one community, and inclusion is fostered by actions.
Sunday afternoon was exciting to everyone on the court: Rytas coaches led the masterclass and guests from Verkiai school and Mirabilia association took the game with Rytas players seriously, showing not only drive, but nice basketball skills as well.
In the opinion of Satchel CEO, Sergiy Barybin, it is crucial that businesses financially support people with disabilities; however, dedicated time and attention is equally valuable: “It’s a day in our lives but I believe it will leave good memories and a sense of community to the youths who joined us in the masterclass today. The problem of exclusion is lessened when we proactively search for ways to connect and not wait for it to happen on its own. For us, this is a heartwarming and meaningful experience.”
Watching his pupils on the court, Šarūnas Gerulaitis, the Director of Vilnius Verkiai school – multifuncional center, said: “It’s an amazing event not only for the schoolkids, but for their parents and carers who are here today as well. We are grateful to the organizers for this meaningful initiative and a warm welcome. Events like this strongly encourage the kids’ physical activity and positively enforce the sense of community.”
Jaroslav Latušinskij, the CEO of Vilnius Rytas, said: “Today is a good reminder that basketball and teamwork extend beyond the game. Sports become a good pretext for quality time, making connections, and celebrating community. By taking action, we aim to fight exclusion and unite people. And we are truly happy that, together with our partners, we can bring joy to people in need of our time and attention.“
After the game, the participants received gifts from Satchel, Rytas, and Me2U, enjoyed snacks from Jungle Pizza, shared conversations, and made memories at the photowall. The community of Verkiai school gifted their branded mugs to our basketball stars, and the members of Mirabilia association brought their homemade delicacies.
Vilnius Verkiai school – multifuncional center provides individualized education for children with intellectual disabilities or multiple developmental disorders.
Mirabilia, the association of people with disabilities and their parents and guardians unites young adults with disabilities, organizes events, and provides psychological support to families.
Photo credit: Indrė Cibulskaitė.
