What if basketball could be played together—by children and youth with disabilities and those without—on the same court, under the same rules, with equal value for every participant? That is exactly the idea behind BASKIN, an innovative and inclusive sports model that was recently presented in Banja Luka.
On 29 November 2025, Banja Luka took an important step forward in inclusive sport with the official presentation of BASKIN basketball, an initiative launched by the Women’s Basketball Club Pokret Marina Maljković in cooperation with the organization Down Sy i mi. The event marked the beginning of a new chapter for Sport for All in the Republic of Srpska.
BASKIN is not just a variation of basketball—it is a carefully designed inclusive sports system that allows children and young people with and without disabilities to play together in a meaningful, structured, and respectful way.
During the presentation, participants were introduced to:
- the history and philosophy of BASKIN,
- the specific rules that ensure equal participation,
- training methods adapted to different abilities,
- and real-life examples of how inclusion works in practice.
The message was clear: everyone has a role, everyone contributes, and everyone belongs.
The event was hosted by the Faculty of Physical Education and Sport, which provided both space and technical support. Importantly, recent investments in accessibility—adapted stairways, toilets, and access points—ensured that the presentation itself was fully inclusive, reflecting the very values being promoted.
A powerful symbol of support came from Saša Čađo, ambassador of ŽKK Pokret MM and one of Banja Luka’s most successful basketball players. Drawing from her experience as a former national team member with European gold medals and an Olympic bronze, she emphasized the importance of inclusion and publicly supported the establishment of the first BASKIN club in Banja Luka.
The event also brought together organizations working with children and youth with developmental difficulties, representatives of the Basketball Federation of the Republic of Srpska, coaches, referees, and sports professionals—showing broad interest in inclusive sport development.
BASKIN perfectly embodies the Sport for All concept by enabling:
- joint training of children and adults, with and without disabilities,
- active participation based on individual abilities,
- development of empathy, teamwork, and social responsibility,
- breaking stereotypes and strengthening inclusive communities.
As highlighted during the presentations, BASKIN is not just a sport—it is a social movement aligned with international Sport for All principles.
This event represents the starting point for forming the first BASKIN team in Banja Luka, opening new opportunities for inclusive, community-oriented sport. It also serves as an inspiring example for other cities and organizations across Bosnia and Herzegovina.
Because when sport is truly for everyone, everyone wins.
