Ori Hellerstein is no stranger to early mornings, long hours and relentless discipline.
As the founder and owner of The Artisan Baker in Stroud -now employing 45 people-he has spent the last 14 years growing one of the area’s most recognisable food businesses.
While he no longer works hands-on in the bakery, having overseen its expansion from a small start-up in 2012 into a thriving operation, this summer Ori will be turning his focus to the basketball court as he represents Great Britain in the Over-45s.
Born in Jerusalem, Ori moved to the UK in 2005 and settled in the Stroud area in 2012, the same year he founded his bakery. What began as a hands-on, early-morning craft has grown into a major local employer, rooted in artisan values and community ties.
Basketball, however, has been a constant throughout his life.
“I’ve been playing since the age of six,” Ori says. “My father introduced me to the game and coached me, and we used to go to watch our local men’s team every week. It was a huge part of my childhood.”
That passion carried into competitive basketball—though not without setbacks. A serious ACL injury forced Ori into a six-year break while he underwent reconstruction and recovery. Returning stronger, he resumed league play as a point guard and went on to enjoy major success with the Hawks in Cheltenham, winning a local championship a few years ago. Last summer, he added another accolade to the list, finishing first at an Over-45s tournament in Bath and claiming victory in the three-point contest.
Now, his focus is firmly on Europe.
The FIMBA European Championship-running from 25 June to 5 July 2026 in Athens-will bring together thousands of veteran players from across the continent. With more than 3,000 athletes and team staff expected to attend, the event celebrates elite competition at every stage of life, with age groups stretching even into Over-70s teams.
“It’s such a special tournament,” Ori says. “It proves that playing the game you love doesn’t have to stop just because you’re older.”
Representing Great Britain holds particular meaning for him.
“This is my home now,” he explains. “It’s where I built my adult life-where I met my wife, started a family with our two boys, and created my business. To wear the GB kit is an honour.”
Balancing entrepreneurship with elite sport is no small feat. Ori’s schedule includes gym sessions, injury prevention exercises, breathing work and yoga alongside twice-weekly basketball training and weekly league games. With the national squad, preparations are ramping up further, with monthly four-hour training camps in the build-up to the championship.
As the tournament approaches, the Great Britain Over-45s team is actively seeking sponsors to support their campaign. Opportunities include branding on team kits, social media exposure and visibility on the official FIMBA website—an international stage that reaches players, fans and businesses across Europe.
Anyone interested in supporting the team can contact Ori directly at enquiries@theartisanbaker.co.uk.
