News

Žmonės.lt

2.13.2020

Original article in Lithuanian

Translation: KFF

Running in winter seems as mission impossible to many. However, this winter youth program “Youth Can” together with “International Marathon” initiated community runs not just in Vilnius, but in 16 small towns as well.

Winter run brought small towns together for sports

 “Youth Can”, the Kazickas Family Foundation program, that works with youth in various small towns of Lithuania, joined forces with the “Eurovaistine Christmas Run” team for common purpose -   not just to bring physical activities to small towns, but also to promote the benefits of active lifestyle and fun that comes with it.

Special runs in 16 small towns of Lithuania brought more than a thousand participants. Main Christmas Run took place in Vilnius on December 15. Thanks to “Youth Can” participants, boys and girls had a chance to run with their local communities in Pumpenai, Joniskelis, Simnas, Miroslavas, Raguvele, Veliucionys, Liudvinavas, Alsedziai, Ariogala, Saukenai, kamajai, Aukstelke, Pandelys, Lentvaris, Vandziogala and Kybartai.

“For a long time we’ve wanted to organize an event that would encourage the residents of small town communities to do sports and would change their perspective on active lifestyle. We’re really excited to partner with “Eurovaistine Christmas Run” in Vilnius team who provided a perfect start to expand the initiative across entire Lithuania,” shared “Youth Can” manager Arminas Vareika.

Lithuanians love to run – stereotypes were broken by the large crowds participating and by the runners’ age

“Quite often we observe various run in the largest cities of Lithuania, but to see a crowd of runners in small towns is not that common, especially in winter. We are glad to see program’s students and town communities joining forces organizing those runs and then running together,” said A. Vareika, putting emphasis on the importance of sports events in the regions.

Those runs were really successful and brought more than 1,150 runners. The sport that requires certain amount of endurance attracted some very young, as well as more mature participants – the youngest runner was four and the oldest – seventy five years young.

The medals are extremely important

The biggest surprise of the event was the official medals - with the unique design, heavy, decorated with red ribbon. More than 1,000 runners receive d the same medals as the runners crossing finish line in Vilnius.

“The run in Joniskelis was truly extraordinary, where more than 60 passersby and fans came to support the runners. They couldn’t hide their disappointment about not participating in the run, they all wanted the medals,” shared A. Vareika.

Invisible benefit – an opportunity for the teens to organize their own event

The initiators of the run had more than one goal. Winter sports events in the regions not only were raising people’s appreciation of active lifestyle, but also included local boys and girls into making it happen. They invited the guests, did the  layout for the run, registered the participants, took pictures and, of, course, ran.

According to “Youth Can” team, the biggest issue in small towns – passive young people, lack of extracurricular opportunities. Those winter runs were perfect and effective solution. “Such activity is a wonderful way for the teenagers to actively participate in their local communities, to gain social, planning skills, develop responsibility,” listed A. Vareika

“Youth Can” program works in all 16 towns that organized the runs. Twice a week it invites the teens to the practices where they not only do sports, but also work on their life skills. To organize the runs in their local communities was a good practice  to assign the responsibilities and to work together.

Boys and girls continue to run

Because of such successful experience, winter run organizers are very enthusiastic to continue the running initiative.

Together with the International Marathon, “Youth Can” program is planning to invite program’s girls to participate in the Women’s Run in Vilnius in June. All program’s students from 16 towns will also be invited to enjoy the biggest running event in Lithuania – “Danske Bank Vilnius Marathon. During the marathon, program’s youth not only will run, but will also gain valuable experience contributing to the organizational aspect of the event.

Photos: "Youth Can" archives