First-ever Mixed Ability Basketball Tournament to be held at MAGIC 2025

On Tuesday, June 24th, the Public University of Navarra (UPNA) will host the First Mixed Ability Basketball Tournament, an initiative that promotes inclusion through sports and is part of the highly anticipated MAGIC 2025 Games.

An unprecedented event that generates passion and expectations, as Andrés Talavero Blanco, Managing Director of Down Cáceres says:

“For the Sagrado Corazón/Down Cáceres team, participating in the MAGIC Games represents a reward for four years of training focused on inclusion. Being able to play against other Mixed Ability teams gives meaning to so much effort. We are very excited to participate in such an important event that so well exemplifies what the International Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities states.”

The tournament will feature four teams that represent the essence of Mixed Ability basketball and bring with them a rich cultural and sporting diversity:

• The Buxers from Mendoza, Argentina: a team with a bright future that comes from South America to showcase their passion and commitment to basketball.
• Down Cáceres/Sagrado Corazón: representatives of Cáceres who have been consolidating their project season after season, demonstrating the power of inclusion.
• West Cork Jesters from Ireland: a team characterised by their dynamic spirit and focus on participation for all.
• Baskonia from Vitoria Gasteiz: one of the most recognised names in Spanish basketball, which joins this tournament with its vast experience in Mixed Ability Basketball.

The tournament not only seeks to crown the best team on the court, but also to generate a positive impact on society. The MAGIC Games, in fact, aim to promote values ​​that go beyond sport, such as inclusion, access to participation, people with and without disabilities playing sports together, learning from each other, and providing opportunities to develop and reach their full potential.

Claire Downey, a representative of the West Cork Jesters of Ireland, told us:

“In our relatively remote part of Ireland, the Mixed Ability basketball model has captivated the local people, and basketball is a popular sport here, so they have been very supportive when I told them about the MAGIC tournament. If all goes well, stay tuned for more information about Mixed Ability Basketball in Ireland!”

Mixed Ability basketball is a sport in which players with and without disabilities share the same playing field, promoting integration and setting aside barriers and labels. This approach allows each participant to contribute their talent and energy, creating a unique experience for both players and spectators.

“We believe in a way of playing sports where everyone has a place, regardless of their conditions, and where the game is a bridge to inclusion, equality, development, and community.

Being part of MAGIC 2025, an event supported by the ERASMUS program and UNESCO, is much more than competing. It’s about sharing, learning, raising awareness, and continuing to build a more just society through the sport we love. We are very excited to live and play alongside teams that also believe in these values, and to proudly represent Argentina in Pamplona,” Anna Meraglia, Head Coach of Buxers Argentina and Coordinator of South America XV Mixed Ability Rugby, proudly expressed.

Similarly, Dorleta De La Presa, Basketball School Coordinator at the Baskonia Alavés Foundation, told us:

“Thanks to Baskonia Mixed Ability, basketball becomes a tool for social change that goes far beyond the court, demonstrating that sport is a right and an opportunity for all. An essential aspect of Baskonia Mixed Ability is the active and committed role of people without disabilities. They not only participate as teammates but also contribute to creating an environment of support, empathy, and constant learning. Their involvement demonstrates that inclusion is a two-way process, where everyone contributes and grows. This interaction strengthens the values ​​of equality and respect and breaks down the barriers that often prevent people with disabilities from fully enjoying sports. Thanks to Baskonia Mixed Ability, basketball becomes a powerful tool for social transformation, demonstrating that inclusion not only benefits a few, but enriches the entire community.”

Don’t miss the opportunity to experience this inspiring event on Tuesday, June 24th, at the UPNA Pavilion. We look forward to celebrating the magic of Mixed Ability basketball together!