Sports in Lithuania:

The Second Lithuanian National Olympics
The Sixth Lithuanian World Sports Games

Algirdas Tamosiunas is Vice President for Sports, Lithuanian-American Community, Inc.

The First Lithuanian National Olympics occurred in July 1938. This event commemorated the 20th anniversary of the establishment of the independence of the Republic of Lithuania. Athletes of Lithuanian descent from the United States and other countries competed successfully in this historic national event.

For 50 years Soviet-occupied Lithuania was prevented from holding another National Olympic event. It was during this period that Lithuanians in Canada organized the First Lithuanian World Sports Games in Toronto in 1978. It recognized not only the 60th anniversary of the establishment Lithuaniaҳ independence but also the 40th anniversary of the Lithuanian National Olympics. Unfortunately, athletes from Lithuania were prevented from participating.

In 1983 and 1988, the Second and Third Lithuanian World Sports Games were hosted by Lithuanians in the United States (Chicago) and Australia (Adelaide), respectively. A small contingent of athletes from Lithuania did participate in the Sports Games held in Australia. Finally, in 1991 and 1995, the Fourth and Fifth Lithuanian World Sports Games were held in an independent Lithuania. Valdas Adamkus, the new President of Lithuania, was the chairperson of the organizing committee of the 1983 Games, and he led the delegation of Lithuanian athletes who traveled from the United States to participate in the 1991 Games.

In November 1997, the Government of Lithuania approved a recommendation made by a commission comprised of representatives from the Parliament of the Republic of Lithuania and the Lithuanian American Community, Inc., and by the Lithuanian Olympic Committee and the Governmentҳ Department of Physical Education and Sports. The recommendation called for the organization of the Second Lithuanian National Olympics and the Sixth Lithuanian World Sports Games.

These events are currently being organized by a special committee whose membership includes high-profile members of the Lithuanian Government and the Lithuanian Olympic Committee, various national and local Lithuanian governmental officials, and representatives of the major Lithuanian athletic institutions in North America and Australia.

The Second Lithuanian National Olympics will be open to high-caliber athletes of Lithuanian descent who have met the eligibility standards set by Lithuaniaҳ sports federations. Approximately 1,800 athletes are expected to compete, including a Lithuanian menҳ basketball team from the United States. The 14 events of these National Olympics will be held at venues located in six of Lithuaniaҳ major cities including Kaunas, the Baltic coastal city of Klaipeda and in the nationҳ capital of Vilnius. Competition will occur in the following sports:

The Sixth Lithuanian World Sports Games are open to males and females of Lithuanian background, of all ages and competitive levels. It is believed that about 2,500 athletes will participate in the 18 events to be offered during the Sports Games. The competition will be organized by gender and age groupings, and will be held at venues located in seven of Lithuaniaҳ major cities, including Vilnius, Kaunas, and the Baltic resort city of Palanga. The sports to be offered are:

All Lithuanian athletes are encouraged to participate in this summerҳ sporting events. Participants will need to make their own travel arrangements. The Lithuanian Government will subsidize accommodations during the events. Preliminary registration for the National Olympics and the Sports Games should be completed by February 28, 1998. Athletes who miss this initial registration deadline may still be eligible to participate in these events. They should seek clarifying information immediately. Lithuanians in the United States may register or obtain additional information by contacting:

Mr. Algirdas Bielskus
General Secretary
Lithuanian Athletic Union of North America
3000 Hadden Road