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The program, thought out by Peter Kazickas and borrowed from NBA Cares and Hoops4Hope, made its debut in twelve Day Centers in Vilnius, Lithuania and its suburbs in the spring of 2015, and lasted for four months. A young and active SKM coach Arminas Vareika was entrusted to coordinate the program which focused on  200 children and the youth (girls and boys ages 6 to 17 years) from high-risk families.

The main goal of “The Power of Basketball” was to use basketball not only as a game but also as a form of communication. Children were taught to appreciate teamwork, develop self-confidence, respect others and resolve conflicts, recognize dangerous situations, and of course, to make friends. Coaches underwent training in three sports psychology seminars. The program consisted of 104 training sessions an hour and a half each, with half of the time for basketball practice and the other half for talks with children. The program’s 180 children came to the court opening ceremony in June and twenty of the most motivated kids attended SKM basketball summer camp in July.

The court opening celebration brought together many who cared for the talent of Lithuania’s children. Organizers are grateful to John and Marcie, Alex, Augustine and Peter Kazickas, the latter of whom were the first ones to try the new court not only on their feet but in wheelchairs assisting wheel chair basketball teams “Santaka” and “Draugyste” in the opening game. Former Lithuanian basketball player and Vilnius Deputy Mayor Linas Kvedaravicius showed everyone that he still had a sharp eye and was able to score three-point shots perfectly. Not to be outdone, Lithuanian olympic champion Valdemaras Chomicius kept up with L. Kvedaravicius. There were plenty of activities for the children. They had to present their teams/day centers with song and dance, and participate in relay races and basketball drills. The NBA community outreach program “NBA Cares” director for Europe, Middle East and Africa region (EMEA) Neal Meyer conducted an hour clinic with the help of Alex, Augustine and Peter Kazickas and the program’s six main coaches from SKM, and welcomed all the participants, guests and organizers.

About the event Neal said, “On behalf of NBA I would like to say that I have a great honor to be here today on this renovated basketball court. Program “NBA Cares” organized by NBA really cares and cooperate with the Kazickas Family Foundation and America Foundation (“CAF America”). This is amazing what “The Power of Basketball” is doing here! I would also like to thank all the children who are here participating in this program because you are the energy that encourages us to continue these activities in Lithuania. Once again – it‘s a great honor for me to be here.“

The renovation of the NBA Cares Court in Seskine cost almost 30 000 Euros. Although most of it was covered by the Kazickas Family Foundation (KFF), there were other sponsors, such as Vilnius Municipality and club Rotary Lithuania.  Lithuanian Basketball Federation donated basketball boards and hoops.  Special attention to the Lithuanian children’s future was shown and financial support recieved from “NBA Cares” and “CAF America”. Thanks to NBA Cares the ceremony was attended not only by NBA representative from London Neal Meyer but also by Toronto BC “Raptors” player and a member of National Lithuania‘s Men Basketball team Jonas Valanciunas. Meeting NBA star Jonas Valanciunas was one of the highlights of the day for the children. NBA player Donatas Motiejunas from Houston “Rockets” was also delegated by NBA but couldn‘t make it to the ceremony on time due to medical reasons.

A sincere gratitude for all the efforts and help for the project goes to Marty Conlon (NBA, New York), Rebecca Bonner (NBA, New York), John Holm (“CAF America”), former General Consul of Lithuania to New York Valdemaras Sarapinas, Vilnius BC “Lietuvos rytas” marketing manager Julius Sarapinas, the spokesman of Sports Diplomacy/United States Departament of State Morgan O'Brian and  Rima Vydmantas, Public Affairs Officer at the Embassy of United States in Lithuania. The program was creatively and sucessfully excecuted by Sostines basketball school (SKM) (CEO Andrius Cerskus). In addition, 30 gratitude letters were given out to organizations and individuals who made the program sucessful.

“The Power of Basketball”, sponsored by the Kazickas Family Foundation, starts its new season in September. The program will be expanded to more locations in Lithuania with its managers hoping to continue close cooperation with Lithuanian and American organizations who support Lithuania’s future.