The U18 team of Aris basketball club has returned to Thessaloniki after being stranded in Abu Dhabi amidst the conflict in the Middle East. The young athletes had to take a complicated journey involving a road trip from Abu Dhabi to Dubai before catching a charter flight that took them through Istanbul, finally landing them back in Greece. The return was facilitated by the Euroleague and the club in coordination with Greek authorities.

Meanwhile, some parents who had accompanied the young players are still in Abu Dhabi. Manolis Chatzilamprou, the father of one of the U18 athletes, expressed the anxiety and distress experienced during the events, emphasizing the sense of helplessness when a conflict breaks out while your child is away participating in sports. He thanked the Euroleague, Aris basketball club, and the Ministry for ensuring the safe return of the players, while also showing concern for those parents who remain stranded in Abu Dhabi and for all Greeks present there at this time.

The situation highlights the challenges faced by sports teams traveling internationally during times of geopolitical instability, underscoring the importance of rapid crisis response communication between sports organizations and government entities. It draws attention to the experience of regular families caught in these circumstances, who must navigate their concerns and the safety of their loved ones far from home.