News

"On November 13th, Jurbarkas mayor Skirmantas Mockevicius, administrative director Vida Rekesiene and Jolanta Kacerauskiene, currently fullfilling Jurbarkas area sports center director's position, met with the Kazickas Family Foundation's New York office director Neila Baumiliene.

Municipality representatives were inquiring about the opportunities "Basketball Power" can offer to Jurbarkas children, initiatives that would keep them busy, involved and promote personal and professional growth. They also discussed opportunities to establish day center in Erzvilkas.

After the discussion they visited Smalininkai Technology and Business School. It is the first institution in Jurbarkas area where KFF program "Basketball Power" introduced the practices in October. Even though only few hours a week are dedicated to the basketball practice, they are still really valuable - focus is not on sport, but on life skills. Basketball is only a tool to raise a healthy, confident, good person.

School's director Ina Budriene showed guests around the school, told about programs offered and its infrastructure. They also observed students' practice. "During the team play children not only learn to play basketball, but also develop confidence, respect for their team mates, learn how to solve conflicts. Twelve students participate from various areas - Smalininkai, Jurbarkas, Erzvilkas. I believe the number will grow, because interest in a program is growing. We had practices during October, this month we had a tournament and go on field trips. I think children already starting to understand the objective that forces us to grow," shares program's coach Karolis Vancys.

After the practice, Neila Baumiliene introduced Kazickas Family Foundation's work, including "Basketball Power", discussed opportunities to work together with other program's participants. She asked teens how they feel about the practice, which basketball stars they would like to meet, what activities they'd like to participate in. Sarunas Jacikevicius' name was mentioned quietly. "To go and observe the professional players' practice would be a huge event for the teenagers," noted the coach and mentioned one more young athletes' wish - to visit Joniskis basketball museum.

I'm glad that Neila chose our neighborhood and brings kindness here. I hope she'll bring only the best experience and gratitude from Jurbarkas back to the United States. Every hard work leads to great results and I believe that teens' work on the court will be productive as well. It is important not to give up and be a role model for others," said Jurbarkas mayor S. Mockevicius at the end of the meeting and informed that he'll initiate "Basketball Power" practices at two more Jurbarkas area schools with KFF help."

Lina Lukosiute,

Mayors office public relations specialist