Basketball Lithuania 2011 by Diena Media News

basketball lithuania 2011 24 teams for the first time

The Ambassador of basketball in lithuania The Maps of the basketball' towns 19 August, 2011

Specialus

priedas

Championship Calendar

Vaižg

contents

Ąžuolyno str.

Vaiž gan to s tr.

Totorių str.

Spaustuvininkų str.

Karaliaus Mindaugo ave.

Gedimino str.

Kęstučio str.

str. I.Ka nto

Krėvos str.

str.

Kęstučio str.

str.

Šilu

tės st r.

Trim ito

A.Mickevičiaus

S.Daukant

str.

tr. to s gan Vaiž

Miško str.

Trakų str.

Vytauto ave.

tr. rų s

ni nė ss tr. Ka ro lig o

Šiau

e. av to au

iem

str .

ind

sM iau ral Ka e. av

ink ov sk

ių

str .

6 The Largest Arena in the Baltic States J.B a

Lakūnų

sko

str .

Invites to Kaunas 11 Mission: Ambassador of Basketball 14 V.Romanovas – the Man Who Sees More in Sport Than Just a Sport 18 Kaunas Map 20 Kaunas – the Real Taste of Lithuania 26 Kaunas District – the Land of Contrasts and Growing Prospects 30 Championship Calendar 32 Panevezys Map 34 Panevezys Arena 35 Group A 41 Siauliai Arena 42 Siauliai Map 44 Group B

io s tr.

. str

80 L.Ivinskio str.

O. M

ka n

str. tilčio Prie

Čiu .K.

rli

go au

Sta

Girs tup

t Vy

basketball lithuania 2011

lių str.

str .

str.

Ap yn ių

r. kių st

tr. io s

Šiaulių

Bažnyčios str.

str.

r. o st ryk E.F

ių

Sopranų str.

tup Girs

ink ov sk

Dainos str.

o Ten

O. M

tr. to s gan Vaiž

Griunvaldo str.

K.Būgos str.

Baritonų str.

50 Alytus Arena 52 Alytus Map 53 Group C 59 Birstonas Map 60 Druskininkai Map 63 Klaipeda Arena 64 Klaipeda Map 66 Group D 73 Vilnius Arena (Second Round) 74 Vilnius Map 76 The Championship Offers

Opportunities for Businesses 78 Eurobasket History: Top Teams and Players 80 Basketball is Like the Olympic Torch

■■ Editor Arūnas Andriuškevičius ■■ Journalists: Marius Bagdonas, Romas Poderys, Alvydas Staniulis, Mantas Stankevičius, Jurgis Švedas, Evelina Žičkevičiūtė ■■ Photographers: Gediminas Bartuška (cover photo), Evaldas Butkevičius, Vytautas Liaudanskis, Tomas Ragina, AFP, BFL, Reuters, Scanpix ■■ Designers: Tomas Mozūra, Dalia Šalnienė ■■ Technical Editor Dalia Šalnienė ■■ Translated by JSC „Kalba.lt“ ■■ Circulation 70 000 ■■ Editorial office: Kęstučio g. 86, 44296 Kaunas. Tel. (+370 37) 302 250. Faks. (+370 37) 423 404 ■■ Advertisement sale: tel. (+370 37) 302 230, (+370 46) 397 711, (+370 5) 261 3654 ■■ Distribution service: tel. (+370 37) 302 242, (+370 46) 397 713, (+370 5) 261 1688 ■■ Publisher JSC „Diena Media News“ ■■ Printed in JSC „Diena Media Print“

basketball lithuania 2011

The Largest Arena i Baltic States Invites Just before the European Men’s Basketball Championship, the new largest “Žalgiris” arena in the Baltic States has opened its doors.

Not only for basketball

The arena was started to be built in 2008, designed by an architect, Eugenijus Miliūnas, it is already hailed as the most modern arena in the Baltic countries. Some of its technological installations are even ahead of

similar arenas in Scandinavia. “Žalgiris” arena is the largest, most modern and most seats having structure in the Baltic countries. Due to flexible spaces and structures, arena can be very quickly adapted to various sizes and types of events: starting from

■■ Image: Arena was built on the island of the Lithuania’s largest river, Nemunas. Tomas Ragina photo.

■■ Delight: It is symbolic that the hottest battles of "Eurobasket 2011" will be held in multifunctional and modern building. "Kaunas is the heart of basketball", states the representative of arena concession Paulius Motiejūnas.

basketball lithuania 2011

in the to Kaunas sports’ competitions and ice arena up to concerts of different sizes, performances, film festivals, exhibitions or even private events.

Excellent acoustics

Angelė Dementavičiūtė, a board member of PE “Žalgirio rėmėjas”, the company administering the building, claimed that “Žalgiris” arena is fitted with the latest unique solutions, providing high quality acoustics, lighting and good visibility. “In order to prevent sound reflections, two-layer board ceilings

were made, the roof was lined with acoustic and glass wool, acoustic curtains were fitted. These solutions are unique for the Lithuanian arenas. New Kaunas arena meets the highest standards of quality: its great acoustics makes it possible to hold a rock concert as well as a chamber orchestra concert, both basketball games and theatrical performances,” claimed Angelė Dementavičiūtė.

Exceptional versatility

The company’s spokeswoman stressed the uniqueness of arena

size, containing almost 17.500 spectators. “Arena stands out for its versatility and variety of services. The arena will attract locals and city’s visitors not only with its large space, but also will be a place for offices, sports and fitness center, art spaces, restaurants and cafes. Its unique location in the Nemunas Island will draw visitors also for its scenic panorama,” claimed Angelė Dementavičiūtė. She stressed another unique opportunity which will be provided in the arena.

Kaunas “Žalgiris” arena has up to

17.5 thousand seats.

basketball lithuania 2011 Additional information in numbers:

Angelė Dementavičiūtė "Žalgiris sponsor" board member

Arena is distinguished by its versatility and variety of services. Companies and individuals will be able to rent luxury suites not only for concerts, sports events, but also for their own organized ceremonies. The clients will be able to invite their personal guests or invite business partners.

Reborn city center

Located in the city center “Žalgiris” arena is expected to significantly contribute to the revival of Kaunas Old Town and Laisvės Avenue (the Kaunas map – p.18 ). The guests of arena can easily reach Kaunas’s Old Town by crossing the bridge across the Nemunas River. Arena will become the undisputed center of attraction in the city of Kaunas and in the central Lithuania. This will provide with the opportunity to develop tourism in the former capital of Lithuania and through high-level events will enable the development of cultural, recreational and sports activities. “Žalgiris” arena name is associated with the memories of great history of Lithuania. The name will remind the legendary battle of Žalgiris (eng. – the battle of Grunwald, lt. – Žalgiris) which determined the survival of Lithuania and the basketball team, “BC Žalgiris” which helped to unite Lithuanians after long decades of foreign oppression. Arena will be home for Žalgiris basketball team. Here will always be a lot of basketball, a unifying and magic show.

Logo idea

Not coincidental was Eugenijus Miliūnas's logo idea, linking history and future, a stylized “Ž” letter unites both traditions and different people. The graphic sign of a spiral embodies a sense of continuity from the ancient Baltic ethnic background to the modern plastic. It is an element of time expression, changing and diverse life. The letter “Ž” is also associated with the Žalgiris battle, legendary basketball team and other famous Lithuanians.

Waiting for finals

The life of “Žalgiris” arena will start with basketball games and the hottest Eurobasket 2011 games. Arena has already been chosen by famous artists such as James Blunt, a British electronic music duo Hurts, French musician Jean Michel Jarre, the legendary singer Mireille Mathieu, Lenny Kravitz, tenor Nikolai Baskov. The Moscow City Ballet will perform Tchaikovsky’s ballet The Nutcracker. The sound systems of arena will be tested by the German rock band Rammstein. “Žalgiris” arena will become a prominent attraction in Eastern Europe, attracting spectators to sports and cultural events. Arena is planned to host over 75 events every year.

■■The total area of arena: 40,000 m² ■■Sports events: from 12300 to 15332 spectators ■■Concerts: from 2574 to 17500 spectators ■■Circus performances: up to 15400 spectators ■■Expected to hold no less than 75 events and expects to receive

over 300 000 visitors per year. ■■The biggest in Scandinavia and the Baltic States information

cube is installed; cube’s plane is 21.5 m². ■■The entire arena hall is surrounded by the informational 262

meters of LED screens.

■■

basketball lithuania 2011

Construction: The most modern arena in the Baltic States has been built within three years.

Finals

â&#x2013; â&#x2013; Culmination: In this arena, the final round of the European Basketball Championship will be hosted. Tomas Ragina photo.

basketball lithuania 2011

Mission: Ambassador of Basketball Arvydas Sabonis is the Ambassador of Euro- Great Britain the fact that Great Bripean Basketball Championship. There were no “Despite tain is not considered to be a doubts that the best Lithuanian basketball basketball country, about thirty journalists from various counplayer of all time deserves this position. Beginning

“I am proud and will do everything I can,” said Mr. Sabonis during the official presentation of European Basketball Championship to foreign diplomats, which took place in 22 October, 2010 in the Lithuanian Ministry of Foreign Affairs. On that day, Arvydas Sabonis was rewarded official Eurobasket 2011 Ambassador’s certificate and golden badge, which was pinned by FIBA’s General Secretary Nar Zanolin. The legendary basketball player traveled the Old Continent, representing the 37th European Men’s Basketball Championship.

Slovenia

“The fact that his tour began in Slovenia is symbolic. Slovenes will organize 2013 European Championship,” said Mindaugas Špokas, Organizing Committee Director of Eurobasket 2011. “Come visit us and see how much basketball means in Lithuania and experience our hospitality,” said Arvydas Sabonis to half hundred Slovenian and Balkan journalists, gathered in Ljubljana Union Hotel. Slovenian basketball federation officials awarded Mr. Špokas and Mr. Sabonis with a Slo-

venian national team shirt, bearing guest’s names. On February 16th, Mr. Sabonis participated in the project “Playful Basketball” organized by the Slovenian Basketball Federation, which has a goal to attract more children to play basketball.

tries gathered in the presentation on Eurobasket 2011. We were able to use this opportunity, when two NBA teams were playing in London,” explained Mindaugas Špokas. The presentation brought together journalists from Lithuania, Latvia, Germany, Great Britain, the United States, China, Italy, Spain, France, Belgium and Mexico.

Arvydas Sabonis:

Germany

Come visit us and see how much basketball means in Lithuania and experience our hospitality.

“Until now, our presentations of the upcoming European championship in Lithuania were mostly related to Arvydas Sabonis because most of the questions were addressed to him. In Berlin, however, we heard very specific and relevant questions, regarding tournament’s organizational problems and expectations,” commented Mr. Špokas. Journalists were interested in accommodation of fans, entertainment and challenges faced by the organizers.

Even Arvydas Sabonis was reluctant to name the best teams in the European Championship this year. “Greece, Spain and Lithuania, as well as Serbia’s national teams, but it is difficult to say. The psychological and many other aspects will be very important,” considered Eurobasket 2011 Ambassador. Mr. Sabonis stated that this championship will be unique because it will be held in basketballloving country. “All of the Lithuanians are basketball fans. Basketball has become popular in 1939 when we became European champions for the second time and since then this has been the sport we love,” said Arvydas Sabonis.

Russia

“Come visit us and see how we celebrate,” Mr. Sabonis was inviting Russians, “You have received wonderful group in a beautiful city. You will not be disappointed to come.” “I must confess: I want Lithuania to take no less than second position,” – Mr. Sabonis continued in Moscow,

Sabonis visited

European countries and invited their basketball fans to visit Lithuania.

basketball lithuania 2011

■■ Route: In October last year, Arvydas Sabonis started touring Europe and promoting Lithuania Basketball Championship.

“In Lithuania all dream about gold medals, but all I want is our team entering into the Olympic Games. Here, a singer Jurga has performed three songs in Spanish, Lithuanian and Russian and if the line of winners happens to be in the same order, I wouldn’t mind.”

Spain

“It is hard to tell who is going to win the championship, but I believe that we will meet in the finals,” commented Arvydas Sabonis. Spanish Basketball Federation President José Luis Sáez and Lithuanian ambassador to Spain, Audra Plepytė, welcomed media representatives and local Lithuanians to the official presentation of Eurobasket 2011 in Madrid. They stressed the importance of the upcoming championship because it will determi-

ne which teams are going to the London Olympics. After the presentation, Arvydas Sabonis was answering the question of Spanish television, radio and newspaper journalists for more than 40 minutes.

Israel

“After 72 years, Lithuania has the opportunity to play the European Championship’s games at home. It is extremely important to us. But it is also very important that our guests would be happy and satisfied with our level of organization. Come and see for yourselves how we can celebrate basketball,” stated Arvydas Sabonis. In addition to recent organizational work, the latest technological innovations of the Championship were represented to the Israeli media, Israel Basketball Federation, the National Olym-

pic Committee and Israel basketball team. The guests of presentation included the President of Israeli Olympic Committee Zvi Varshaviak, the Head of Israel Basketball Federation Shai Shani and the country’s national basketball team’s captain, Tal Burstein. Mr. Sabonis ended his visit to Israel meeting with Israel’s political legend, the Israeli President Shimon Peres. “It is essential that both participants and fans felt comfortable in Lithuania and experienced the Championship as the friendliest European Championship,” stated Eurobasket 2011 Ambassador. Arvydas Sabonis gave Mr. Peres Lithuanian national team shirt, bearing the 11-th number. Mr. Peres invited Mr. Sabonis to come and see a joint Israeli-Palestinian athletes’ training

camp. They also discussed the potential of cooperation between Lithuania and Israel in the field of basketball.

Greece

“It is nice to have one of the best players of all time and the world’s basketball legend Arvydas Sabonis here in Athens,” Giorgos Vassilokopoulos appealed to journalists and Greek basketball community, “I have no doubt that our friend Lithuania will organize a spectacular event.” Mr. Sabonis, among many things, told Greeks about his sons, Tautvydas and Domantas, who also play basketball. “The Greeks did not run out of questions. Some journalist said that if I were standing there for three hours, they would still have had questions,” commented Arvydas Sabonis.

Georgia

“I was always glad to visit Georgia. Now it is even more enjoyable because I came here not to play but invite you all to the feast of basketball in Lithuania,” said Arvydas Sabonis to Georgian media and basketball community. “I am glad that the Georgian team finally got to the final stage of the European Championship”. Mr. Sabonis remembered his games in Tbilisi, when Kaunas Žalgiris still played in the USSR Championship. “It was always ■■ Interested: the President of Georgia Mikhail Saakashvili met Arvydas Sabonis and his wife Ingrida in his residence.

basketball lithuania 2011

eurobasket.com, delfi.lv photo.

difficult to play here, we have never won in a big difference, but it has always been fun,” – said Eurobasket 2011 Ambassador. Georgians demonstrated their new basketball team outfit, under the trademark “Sabonis 220”.

Medals

The new series of medals, bearing the official signs of Eurobas-

ket 2011 Lithuania and Sabonis’s portrait and signature is going to be released. “Until now, the European basketball championships have not had ambassadors, particularly such famous as Sabonis. He has contributed immensly to promoting this basketball festival in Europe” said Mindaugas Špokas.

Anyone who purchases these awards will contribute to the shaping of the future of Lithuanian basketball. Part of the funds raised will go to Arvydas Sabonis’s support fund to ensure that all children who want to play sports have the right conditions created. A series of medals includes brass, silver, golden silver and gold medals, crowning the col-

lection are 11 platinum medals. The obverse shows a portrait of Arvydas Sabonis and embodies the perpetual legend of basketball history and Eurobasket 2011 Ambassador’s legacy. On the reverse, Eurobasket 2011 Lithuania logo is printed, which elevates the collection to the level of international sports symbols. Prepared by Mantas Stankevičius

basketball lithuania 2011

V.Romanovas – the m in sport than just a Alvydas Staniulis

Rescued the legendary BC “Žalgiris”

Why does the biggest sports patron in Lithuania Vladimiras Romanovas supports sport? This businessman knows where to put his money. He is the President of an investment banking group UBIG, which implements banking, industry, real estate and other projects in Lithuania and abroad. So, why does he support sports? Mr. Romanovas has his own philosophy.

Mr. Romanovas was probably destined to manage a solid investment group and financially support talented and hard-working people in arts and sports. “Žalgiris” arena, one of the most modern arenas in Europe, is entrusted to be managed by UBIG. Its President being the biggest culture and sports patron in Lithuania. Established last year, Mr. Romanovas’s charity and assistance fund helps to create an educated, modern Lithuanian society and gives the opportunity to see worldclass art projects and artists. Honest, respectable and beautiful sporting fight can provide people with as much as a good concert. Perhaps this is how Mr. Romanovas thinks who is the only Lithuanian businessman to have decided to lend a helping hand for BC “Žalgiris” when it was on the brink of bankruptcy. Could not stand and watch it with indifference In spring 2009, the best Lithuanian basketball team had to face the biggest challenge. “Žalgiris” was almost bankrupt. There were no businessmen and businesses willing to provide financial support. UBIG President did not hesitate. “I am from Kaunas, I grew up with “Žalgiris”, and so I could not watch with indifference how the basketball club was being undermined. I cannot think of Kaunas, Lithuania and the European basketball without “Žalgiris”,” revea-

led Mr. Romanovas when asked about the main reason why he agreed to support the team. “We did not expect to find any businessman able to help our club. Vladmiras Romanovas surprised me. This man is a true sports’ fan. He promised and kept his word,” said the all-time best Lithuanian basketball player, “Žalgiris” President, Arvydas Sabonis. “If not for Mr. Romanovas, “Žalgiris” would have been bankrupt,” told the President of Lithuanian Basketball Federation Vladas Garastas. He was the famous coach of “Žalgiris” and worked with the most famous Lithuanian basketball players such as Arvydas Sabonis, Valdemaras Chomičius, Rimas Kurtinaitis and many others, leading them also into the Olympic heights.

New home for the team

After becoming the owner of BC “Žalgiris”, Mr. Romanovas is always with his team. His aim is to provide opportunity for young players to play on the court and improve, instead of sitting on the bench. The businessman takes care of “Žalgiris” financial stability and its modern training and competition base. Mr. Romanovas wants that club leaders played for the Lithuanian national team. Last year, the players from “Žalgiris” were key players in the Lithuanian national team which won bronze medals in the World Championship in Turkey. This year, four “Žalgiris” players are preparing with the national team for this year’s Eurobasket 2011. After the European Championship, the most famous Lithuanian

basketball lithuania 2011

an who sees more sport basketball club will move into the new Kaunas “Žalgiris” arena. The basketball players will have exceptional conditions to prepare for competitions and bring joy to the club’s most loyal fans and the city of Kaunas, Lithuania.

Mr. Romanovas’s charitable activities were rewarded In 2000 and 2006, Mr. Romanovas was rewarded the awards of Russian Patriarch Aleksy II. In 2001 he received St. Michael’s

reward as the most generous businessman of Kaunas. In 2010, the reward of annual Lithuanian sports sponsor.

In 2011, he was awarded by the interwar Kaunas Mayor Jonas Vileišis medal.

The arena will be surrounded by the aura of winning

“I am pleased that very soon we will have a new home, “Žalgiris” arena. Here we will try to extend the honor of our team’s history and add new victories. All the efforts would have been i mp o s sible if not for the team owner Vladimiras Romanovas’s a s sistance. His efforts saved the legendary BC “Žalgiris”. I am very happy to be a part of it. In the name of all “Žalgiris” players, I promise to fight hard in every game and make sure that this arena sees more victories,” said Kaunas BC “Žalgiris” team’s captain and a candidate to the Lithuanian national team, Paulius Jankūnas. “This oasis of sports and entertainment was built in one of the most beautiful places in Kaunas, on the Nemunas Island, taking into account advices and wishes of “Žalgiris” players. The

■■ With Hearts, Mr. Ramanovas has won the country's Football Cup. Standing next to him is Lesley Hinds, the former Mayor of the City of Edinburgh.

basketball lithuania 2011 building keeps pace with the most NBA clubs’ arenas. We hope that the new arena will be well-liked by the participants and guests of men’s basketball tournament,” said Mr. Romanovas.

Character: gives new challenges

■■ Mr. Romanovas has brought the legendary Žalgiris club back to the road of success – the club has won three titles this year. President Dalia Grybauskaitė congratulated the champions of the Lithuanian Basketball League. Tomas Lukšys (BFL) photo.

It maybe that Mr. Romanovas has become a sponsor of sports not by chance. This man is endowed with a particular character of an athlete. Sports are integral in his life. Despite the fact that he is a very busy man, Mr. Romanovas still finds time to play sports and participate in various projects. What is it? A simple whim or just a way to spend his free time? No. Apparently, it is just his character, causing him to tackle new challenges. It seems that Vladimiras Romanovas does not wait for conditions to offer new challenges: he

picks up his challenges himself. For several years, he has supported BC “Žalgiris” veterans’ team (they say that Mr. Romanovas has provided more support than other supporters throughout 15 years time). This summer, the President of UBIG has participated himself in the World Championships of Veterans in Brazil and the team won gold medals. Recently, Mr. Romanovas reached his next goal: he swam across the lake Loch Ness in Scotland. The lake is not the most fun place for swimming. Scots say that Loch Ness is a lake where no one takes a swim for pleasure because of too cold water, huge depth and aggressive waves. Mr. Romanovas has given his word to friends when serving in the navy to swim across the lake and he is not the one to break his promises or principles. What would sport be without people like him?

Supports football In 2004, Vladimiras Romanovas began rescuing famous Scottish football club Hearts, which was nearly bankrupt. In two years time, Hearts won the second place in the Scottish Premier League and the Cup of the country. Last season, Hearts won bronze medals.

Leslie Deans, a former Hearts club chairman, Edinburgh businessman was open: “When the club got into a very difficult position, Mr. Romanovas brought the most important thing: financial stability. His investment has suspended the sale of Tynecastle stadium. The loss of the stadium would have been the collapse of Hearts football club.”

Mr. Romanovas has no doubts that his club is able to stop the domination of Glasgow Rangers and Celtic in the Scottish football, but it is prevented by bureaucratic obstacles. The President of UBIG is not able to invest money into Edinburgh Tynecastle Stadium to start its reconstruction or new constructions.

“Vladimiras has already invested large sums of money into the club. Although I have not always agreed with everything he has done or said, I believe that he deserves the highest praise from all concerned about Hearts because of his large financial investments,” stated Leslie Deans.

According to the Scottish press, the other businessman from abroad, faced with a similar obstacle, would have sold the club, but Mr. Romanovas does not give up. Many of Edinburgh’s football community support the Lithuanian businessman, whose help is highly appreciated.

Football-related business projects, by Mr. Romanovas led investment group UBIG, are also being implemented in Belarus, where they help Minsk’s MTZ-Ripo team.

“I think many people forget the situation in which the club had been before Vladimiras Romanovas took over. Although Hearts has established itself as the third force in the Scottish football in recent years, Mr. Romanovas is still not happy. He is trying to make Hearts the strongest,” said the member of Edinburgh City Council, Cllr Steve Cardownie.

Vladimiras Romanovas provided tens of millions of euros for the Lithuanian football. With the name of this businessman, the golden age of Lithuanian football is associated. He supported the multiple champion of Lithuania, FBK Kaunas, which fought such teams as Liverpool. However, he left the Lithuanian football because of Lithuanian football betting scandals and the mess in the country’s football federation, which was unacceptable to him.

For his work with the local community in Scotland, Vladimiras Romanovas was served a Community Mark award by the British Prime Minister Gordon Brown.

Jo na vo ss tr.

s st ėno Var

Brastos str.

tr. ji s

ri Ne

. ųw

Iev

s avo

ušių

Kria

str.

Šv. Gertrūdo s

kar o

va Sa str.

nto str.

str.

Šilu

tės s tr.

Drus

Biršto

džių

I.Ka

Sma linin kų s tr.

kinin kų s tr.

no str .

str. Palangos

Puo

Trim ito s tr.

. J.Gruodžio str

Nemunas Marve

lės str. Veiverių st

Vei ver i

ųs tr.

H. &

O. M i

nko vski

S.H a

ų str .

str.

Amerikos lietuvių str.

S.H a

str.

s str. J.Dobk evičiau

io str.

o str.

ln ka ta An io

dv Liu

Višty čio

str.

tr. os av

io str.

us st

100m

Ant an

500m

avo s str .

str. Veiveri ų

Yli

šk

ių

str .

Svir byg alo

s str .

. str

k Zapyš

F.Vai tka

O. M

ių

str.

J.Damijo

io aln uk

S.Gir ėn

ink ov sk

aln tak An

pio st

str.

J.Kum

us ir

Vid

naičio st

riso

oji kšt Au

V.Čepinskio str.

riso

S.Da ria

tr. ss

str.

Gimnazijos str.

J.Jablonskio str.

A.Mapu str.

str.

ių

p Kur

str.

. ve ųa

ri no

nė

zmo str. kso to

inės

str.

tr. lų s J.Zi

k min

Vilniaus str.

V.Ku

str. rdo

Muit

čia evi ack

ie esk Ož

Ale

T.Da

ugi

aus ziej

lau

ko s

str.

kos s tr.

iep

s st r.

str.

M.Daukšo s str.

str.

Kumeli ų

Pilies

Rag uvos st

Santa

str.

dos str.

r. kšto st A.Ja

tinių enedik

Šauklių

Šv. Gert rū io st

str.

A.M

Jon

Pap il

ių

n sei Ra

io Žal

str.

Karaliaus Mindaugo ave.

vių s tr.

str .

ių

str .

ių Tulp

str.

tr. stų s Rada

str. Rūtų

aič

. io str

aič P.Vaič

no Vydū

st onų Agu

Že m

str.

K.Donelaičio str.

Gedimino str.

s Parodo

ūno Perk

Maironio str.

Sporto str. str.

. ave

Vaižgan to Ąžuolyno str.

anto Vaiž g

Totorių str.

Gedimino str.

Spaustuvininkų str.

Kęstučio str.

str.

Krėvos str.

A.Mickevičiaus str.

S.Daukanto str.

str.

Laisvės ave.

Kęstučio str.

ave.

str. K.Petrausko

Auš ros

av os

Žemuogių str.

tr. ss

Lietu

Da in

V.Putvinskio str.

aičių Aukšt

ių s tr.

Lelijų str.

str.

Kau ko Kau ave . ko ave .

ros Auš

Auk štai č

str.

P.V

ijo

tr. ių s

Telš

str.

Dzū kų

m no tro As

o st ant

žg Vai

Miško str.

Vytauto ave.

Griunvaldo str.

str. nto žga Vai

Trakų str.

Baritonų str.

Dainos str. Sopranų str.

o st ryk E.F

K.Būgos st

tr. rų s

o Ten

ro l

tup Girs

ig o

ni n

ės str .

Bažnyčios str.

str.

ų str.

str .

Šiauli

str .

e. av to

iem

t Vy

Girs tup

io s tr.

ių

Ap yn

tr. io s

Šiaulių

r. ių st

Stak

ia ral

Ka Mi nd

nio

go au e. av

Čiu .K.

o st

tilči Prie

O. M

ink ov sk

ių

J.B a

ka n

Lakūnų r.

. str

o rli

sko

str .

L.Ivinskio str.

. str šių Tel

sk išin

Kaunas - the Real Taste of Lithuania

■■ Illuminated bridge across the Nemunas river at night.

Welcome to Kaunas, the city which has preserved the national character of the country. The country’s second city, which reigned as the capital of Lithuania for nearly 20 years at the start of the 20th century, still has its charm and taste. Nestling in a valley at a point where the Neris and the Nemunas rivers converge at the city’s Old and New Towns. The main pedestrian boulevard, Laisvės alėja, is full of bars, cafes, restaurants, shops and sights.

Welcome to Kaunas, the city which has preserved the national character of the country, offering plenty of activities to everyone. Visit the hearth of Lithuania and experience its unique atmosphere:

mous Kaunas Jazz festival, Hanza days, Operetta, Pažaislis Classical Music festival, Bike show, Kaunas city days, Songs festival (listed by UNESCO), International Modern Dance Festival and much more.

Feast here

Experience

Kaunas is home to a variety of festivals and events, including the fa-

The remarkable Old Town which is a collection of ancient archi-

tectural monuments: the remnants of the 14th century architecture with the Kaunas castle, the buildings of the Middle Ages in the Gothic and the Art Déco styles. The Kaunas Fortress is a valuable military heritage composed of a number of constructions that used to be a military complex. There are nine Forts

around the city and the IXth Fort serves as a museum. The macabre collection of nearly 3,000 devils at the Devils’ Museum and the exhibitions showing the unique artistic styles of composer and painter M. K. Čiurlionis, as well as J. Mačiūnas initiator of the avant-garde Fluxus art movement.

Taste it

The centrepiece of Lithuanian cuisine is dark rye bread. It is shown a great respect and even called “holy”, and Lithuanians link many beliefs and magic with it. The great opportunity to taste it is to have soup in a bread bowl. Lithuanian drinks have very old traditions; the “Stumbras” museum offers a guided tour of the history and tasting of strong drinks. Among the multitude of things that make any Li-

thuanian swell with pride (rich history, amber, beautiful nature, basketball, etc.), there is one that has a special place in one‘s heart. This source of pride is the Lithuanian beer.

Make a wish

The beautiful confluence of two biggest Lithuanian rivers is well known for a magical saying - the Nemunas River is a male and the Neris is a female. The meeting of two rivers is considered as a marriage of a couple. Two rivers meet in Kaunas; they join and never split up! For those who want their dreams to come true it‘s a right place to go on a rendezvous.

See it

The whole Lithuania in one place is in the open air museum in Rumsiskes, which is the biggest open air museum in Eastern Europe. The museum with its collection of authentic wooden villages represents different regions of Lithuania: Zemaitija, Aukstaiti-

ja, Dzukija, Suvalkija and Lithuania Minor.

Unexpected

The Funicular - a unique means of transportation is still in use today, including the genuine prewar wagon, wooden seats, and stop platforms. Even today the funicular takes people up to the hill, from which the panorama of Kaunas centre and Old Town is wide open. Kaunas is the only city in the Baltic States, where such means of transportation is available.

Sail

The biggest man-made water basin in Lithuania, which is surrounded by a wonderful landscape. Kaunas Reservoir is a perfect place for water activities. So see you on the deck! If you want to feel the real Lithuanian spirit, visit Kaunas and discover it. The hearth of Lithuanian culture, tradition and history is just waiting to be discovered.

■■ International Hanseatic Days symbolic tree was decorated with the flags of 85 participating cities.

History and the Present

Kaunas is the second largest city in Lithuania, located in the centre of the country at the confluence of the two largest Lithuanian rivers, the Nemunas and the Neris, surrounded by the hills of Zaliakalnis (literally: Green Hill), Aleksotas and Silainiai. Something more than 10 percent of all country's population live in Kaunas, and, with almost 93 percent of its citizens being ethnic Lithuanians, the city is reasonably called the most ethnic Lithuanian city in the country or even in the Baltic States. The old Kaunas reveals the history of a medieval city. The rise and the prosperity of Kaunas are associated with the paths of the river waters, which from the 8th to 12th centuries were an important artery for Vikings’ trades. Kaunas was first mentioned in written sources in 1361, when Teutonic Knights prepared to at-

tack Kaunas castle. Historical period of Kaunas as a town started in 1408, when Vytautas honoured Kaunas citizens with privilege of autonomous Magdeburg rights. Community of individually free and economically autonomous tradesmen and craftsmen,

directly accountable to lord was legalized with the document. Grand Duke transferred the scales, wax house and cut house to Kaunas. With the scales, items, delivered to the town or locally prepared consignments were weighed; quality of wax was checked in the wax house,

it was prepared for export, melted to the pieces of indicated gross; drapery entered the last stage of their preparation in the cut house. Due to a favourable location and development of water transport by the Neris and Nemunas Rivers, Kaunas soon became an important trade and crafts centre of the Grand Duchy of Lithuania. In 1569, when the Polish Lithuanian Commonwealth was established, Kaunas not only saved its significance, but was also kept as one of the most important economic and trade city of the country. In 1574, King Henrik Valua named Kaunas the pride of the country. Catholic Church played an important role in Kau-

■■ Newly re-born Kaunas castle.

nas. Vytautas the Great Church of the Assumption of the Holy Virgin Mary was one of the first churches in Kaunas, founded by Vytautas in 1400 and transferred to Franciscans. A lot of monasteries and churches were built near gothic masonries during Baroque epoch in the XVII – XVIII centuries. Schools were established near a parochial church and monasteries. Besides Lithuanians, Germans and Poles and Jews settled in Kaunas in the second part of the XVII century. They were deprived to live inside the city for some period of time, thus most of them settled in Vilijampole town, owned by Radvilos. Here the Baroque brick synagogue was built, where kahal was proceeding (Jewish community self-government body). The whole world knew about the famous yeshiva, Jews rabbinical seminary, in which not only Lithuanian Jews, but also Jews from other countries, were studying. Abraham Mapu was a member of Kaunas Jewish community, the author of the first written novel in the He-

brew language. Ludwig Lazarus Zamenhof, the creator of the Esperanto language, was living in Kaunas, too. Small community of Tartars lived here too. When the Polish -Lithuanian Commonwealth failed in 1795, Kaunas was divided together with the entire Lithuania. A part of the city that belonged to the Lithuanian Uznemune Region (literally: beyond the Neman River) was taken over by the Kingdom of Prussia, and the remaining part was taken by the Russian Empire. This city division between two states, afterwards between different administrative territorial units, remained during the whole 19th century and was disestablished only in the begging of the 20th century, after restoration of the Lithuanian State. In 1812, Kaunas was involved in the whirl of RussianFrench war: on 23 June, Napoleon the First with approximately 220 thousand soldiers started to move to the city through the Nemunas by pontoon bridges. The year 1843 was important for

Kaunas history in the XIX century, when Kaunas became a centre of newly established Kaunas province. In the second part of the XIX century, urban face of the city started to change: buildings in the New Town – new city centre of administration and commerce - were growing fast. Cultural institutions were proliferating as well: a city theatre of 500 seats was built and a Kaunas city museum was established. In 1876, the streets of the city were lightened by the kerosene lamps and, in 1899, by electricity. In 1879, Kaunas was granted the status of a 1st class military fortress of the Russian Empire frontier, and fortifications were started to erect. All of this created a distinctive system of fortress equipment and forts in the territory of the city that is unique in the contemporary Europe. In 1892, a horse tramway was introduced that was replaced by buses in 1929. After World War I, when the state of Lithuania was recovered, the Polish army occupied Vilnius and Vilnius region, so Kaunas

became a provisional capital of Lithuania in January, 1919 (until 1940). The city revived and became the economic, educational, spiritual and cultural centre of the country: in 1922, the State Theatre and the University of Lithuania was established, a lot of new administration buildings were erected. Kaunas grew into a modern European city. Today Kaunas is the only city in Lithuania, boasting such a rich and unique heritage of the modern interwar architecture. In August, 1944, Kaunas was taken by the USSR army. During the Soviet period Kaunas was turned into a closed industrial city. When Lithuania struggled to free from occupational government, Vytautas Magnus University was already reestablished in the same of year 1989. Kaunas became the city of the Lithuanian revival with almost the biggest number of students, because more than 60 thousand students study in the city during the academic year. “Kaunas Jazz” festival has been arranged in Kaunas since 1991. In 1993, Pope John Paul II visited Kaunas and celebrated Mass in Santaka. Since 1996, Classical music festival of Pazaislis is arranged in Kaunas during three months of summer. In 1998, Kaunas “Žalgiris” became the winner of the European Basketball Cup and, in 1999, the winner of Euroleague. Kaunas City Day, celebrated every year since 20 May, 1999, attracts not only crowds of citizens, but city guests as well. Today, Kaunas is the most important communication’s centre of Lithuania. The city is easily accessible by various means of transportation. City has the oldest passenger bus station in Lithuania, two passenger river harbours, international and local airports, two funiculars; both of them are recognized as technological monuments. ISC “Kautra”, one of the biggest Lithuanian

passenger transporters by busses, transports passengers on international and local routes. The most important overland routes run through Kaunas: the European highway “Via Baltica” connecting Prague, Warsaw, Riga, Tallinn and Helsinki, as well as arterial roads A1 and A6. Kaunas is a centre of internal water transport, which has the entire necessary infrastructure – harbours of passengers and cargos, docks; ships repair territory, administrative and organizational structures. Kaunas is a node of railways. The main cargos separating and dividing the station of Kaunas railway is Palemonas. Railway Rail Baltic section of European standard from Warsaw to Kaunas, laid currently, is planned to be finished by December, 2013.

■■ “Žalgiris” BC is famous for its loyal fans.

The Capital of Lithuanian sports ■■ Kaunas Jazz festival.

The city of Festivals Kaunas is famous for festivals of various genres. An international jazz festival “Kaunas Jazz” held in spring and autumn call together crowds of jazz admirers. International Modern Dance Festival „AURA“, together with Kaunas Biennial „TEXTILE‘11”, are to be joined into one mutual project on 22 September – 4 December.

The main programme of the International Dance Festival „AURA‘21”, i.e. the modern dance performances from Spain, Italy, Israel, Germany, Hungary, etc., will be presented on the 71st day of the mutual project, as well as 20 modern textile exhibitions and of course 5-7 unique international projects which combine both modern dance and textile.

Kaunas is the capital of Lithuanian sports with a splendid infrastructure and Lithuanian Academy of Physical Education that is preparing high-level specialists of sports. The very first of-

ficial basketball game in Kaunas was held in 1922 and the sport became extremely popular when Lithuanian men won the European basketball championship held in Riga in 1937.

The world-known international summer time Pazaislis Classical Music Festival with classical music performances taking place not just in habitual but in the most unexpected places such as Pazaislis monastery, churches, courtyards of the Old Town, airport, forts and at Kaunas castle, is a concurrent part of Kaunas summer events. The city’s birthday is one of the most famous and very much awaited cultural events in Kaunas. It is celebrated on 20 May since 1999 as this was the date when in 1463 Kazimieras Jogailaitis (literally: Casimir Jagiellon), the Grand

Duke of Lithuania, renewed and expanded the privileges of the city. Folk festival “Atataria lamzdžiai” is held at the end of May. Every year, admirers of opera and operetta are waiting for the international festival “Operetta in Kaunas castle”, the dance lovers await for the international festival of modern dance organized by the Dance Theatre “Aura” where dance companies from all over the world perform. At the beginning of June, Kaunas is filled with the roar of powerful motorcycles, when moto fan fiesta “Bike Show Millennium” starts.

Hansa Days

■■ President Dalia Grybauskaite (in the center) and Kaunas Mayor Rimantas Mikaitis, the guardians of Hanseatic Days in Kaunas.

WHERE TO STAY

There are four stars, three stars, two stars hotels and motels with more than 3000 sleeping beds in Kaunas. If you still didn’t arrange your stay in Kaunas, please visit or contact Kaunas Tourism Information Centre (Laisves avenue 36, tel. +370 37 323 436) where qualified specialists will try to do their best to arrange your stay according to your needs. More information www.kaunas.lt

WHERE TO EAT

The city has many restaurants, cafes and bars that offer a wide variety of dishes, ranging from Lithuanian cuisine to gourmet and exotic food to suit every tas-

Kaunas castle Pilies st. 17, Kaunas (I-VII 10.00 A.M. -8.00 P.M.)

Kaunas city history starts from Kaunas Castle as the city name was first mentioned in its description. The Castle is built at the confluence of the two largest Lithuanian rivers, distinguished with its size and strength of fortifications. It was a part of the defensive system against attacks of the Teutonic Orders. In

te and budget. It is highly recommended that while in Kaunas, try the great potato dumplings, the Cepelinai (Zeppelin), the cold beetroot soup (Saltibarsciai) and the „live“(non-pasteurized) Lithuanian honey beer. If you need an advice where to eat in Kaunas, please visit or contact Kaunas Tourism Information Centre (Laisves avenue 36, tel. +370 37 323 436) qualified specialists will give you the best advice. More information about transport www.kaunas.lt

Kaunas is the only city in contemporary Lithuania where merchants of Hanza had their office during the period of 1441 – 1532. It is supposed that the headquarters of Hansa merchant offices were settled in the exceptionally flamboyant Gothic brick House of Perkunas (literally: the House of Thunder) since 1445. Rhine and French wine, baize from England and Flanders, Flanders and Rhine ironworks were delivered to the Grand Duchy of Lithuania via the Hanseatic trade routes and the main ex-

port goods from Lithuania included furs, leather, beeswax, flax, hemp, crops, timber, artificers leather and wooden articles. In 1991, Kaunas joined the international union "The New Hansa", uniting 170 of the old Hansa cities and their partners. Since 2005, usually in August, Kaunas Old Town is overwhelmed by the medieval knights, loud-speaking merchants, clanging of swords and ancient music.

anians link many beliefs and magic with it. The great opportunity to taste it is to have soup in a bread bowl. Lithuanian drinks have very old traditions, to get to know them the “Stumbras” museum offers a guided tour of the history and tasting of strong drinks. Among the multitude of things that make any Lithuanian swell with pride (rich history, amber, beautiful nature, basketball, etc.), there is one that has a special place in one‘s heart. This source of pride is the Lithuanian beer.

ments: the remnants of the 14th century architecture of the Kaunas castle, the buildings of the Middle Ages in the Gothic and the Art Déco styles. The Kaunas Fortress is a valuable military heritage composed of a number of constructions that used to be a military complex. There are nine Forts around the city and the IXth Fort serves as a museum. The macabre collection of nearly 3,000 devils at the Devils’ Museum and the exhibitions showing the unique artistic styles of composer and painter M. K. Čiurlionis, as well as J. Mačiūnas, the initiator of the avant-garde Fluxus art movement.

Taste it! The centrepiece of Lithuanian cuisine is dark rye bread. It is shown a great respect and even called “holy” and Lithu-

WHAT TO SEE

1362, the Crusaders captured the castle killing almost all its defenders. The castle was rebuilt and improved as an enclosure type brick castle with four towers by the order of Vytautas, the Grand Duke of Lithuania. After the Crusaders were defeated in the battle of Grunwald in 1410, the castle lost its strategic importance. In the seventh decade of the 20th century, conservation of the castle started and an exposition was set up in the Castle’s tower.

In this year, was finished the project of Kaunas Castle restoration and customization for the needs of society.

Experience! The remarkable Old Town which is a collection of ancient architectural monu-

Town Hall Rotušės square, Kaunas

One of the symbols of Kaunas city is the Town Hall often called the White Swan because of its white colour and graceful forms. It was the most ornate Town Hall in the whole territory of the Grand Du-

More about Event “Hanza Kaunas 2011” – www.hanzakaunas.lt

chy of Lithuania. It was started to erect in 1542. The exterior of the building has changed with a lapse of time. The current image of the Town Hall was formed during the reconstruction in 17711780. The reconstruction of the Town Hall was financially supported by the last Polish - Lithuanian King Stanislav August Poniatovski, who was famous for refined taste and was a generous patron of the arts. Nowadays the Town Hall is the Wedding Pala-

ce and the exposition of the Museum of Ceramics can be seen in the basement.

Arch-Cathedral Basilica of St. Apostles Peter and Paul Vilniaus st. 1, Kaunas

Arch-Cathedral Basilica of St. Apostles Peter and Paul is the biggest Gothic style sacral building in Lithuania, situated near the Town Hall Square, started to build as far back as 1413. The oldest part of the building is the reticulated part of the presbytery vault. The image of the Blessed Virgin Mary (Bernardine) (end of the 16th c.) is one of the most magnificent sacral paintings of the baroque epoch in Kaunas.

Perkūnas (Thunder) House Aleksoto st. 6, Kaunas

Perkūnas (Thunder) House is considered to be one of the few buildings, belonging to the Gothic period that stands untill now. It is assumed to be a merchant's residential house built at the beginning of 16th century. It is one of the most original examples of the flamboyant Gothic architecture in Lithuania. In 1818, when the reconstruction works were performed, a statue was found in one of the walls of the house, which supposedly belonged to the Pagan God Perkūnas. Because of the statue the house was given a name of Perkūnas (Thunder).

Vytautas Church Aleksoto st. 3, Kaunas

Kaunas medieval monument is Vytautas the Great Church of the Assumption of the Holy Virgin Mary, which since 1930, the year of the anniversary of Vytautas the Great, is called by the name of Vytautas. The church of Franciscans was built around 1400. According to the legend, Vytau-

tas the Great, the Lithuanian Duke who build the church, escaped from the lost battle of Vorskla with tartars in Ukraine. The church suffered from the fires and floods many times; however it maintained its initial design, Gothic forms.

The historical Presidential Palace Vilniaus st.33, Kaunas (II-VII 11.00 A.M. – 5.00 P.M.)

The historical Presidential Palace, the symbol of Kaunas, the provisional capital of Lithuania, and one of the main historical buildings in the city, is situated in the middle of Vilnius Street. Construction of the future Presidential Palace began in the middle of the 19th century as a private residential house. From 1919 to 1940, three presidents of the Republic of Lithuania resided and worked in this palace: Aleksandras Stulginskis, Kazys Grinius and Antanas Smetona.

Laisvės alėja

The heart of Kaunas City is Laisvės alėja (literally: Liberty avenue) - one of the longest pedestrian streets in Europe (1621 meters-long). It is well-liked place for walking of citizens and visitors with a lot of shops, cafes and restaurants. Laisvės alėja runs almost precisely in the East-West direction and is lined with more than 550 linden-trees. There is a fountain of Liberty in the middle of Laisvės alėja, which is a favourite dating place. A monument to the Grand Duke of Lithuania Vytautas the Great, who granted the City the privilege of self-government (sculptor Vincas Grybas), is located on Laisvės alėja, near the Kaunas city municipality building.

St. Michael Archangel Church (Sobor) Nepriklausomybės square 11, Kaunas

■■ Laisves Avenue, the beloved place of townsfolk and guests.

Under the decision of the Russian czar Alexander II, Kaunas became a military fortress of the first class. St. Peter and Povilas church (Soboras) was built for the military garrison of Kaunas fortress in 1895. The building in the Neo-Byzantine style had all the features of the Orthodox Church. Russian ar-

chitects designed the church, the masters from Cernigov guberny performed bricklaying works, and the painters of St. Petersburg decorated it. In 1919, it was turned into St. Michael Archangel Church. Since 1965, the church became the gallery of Stained glass and Sculpture.

TOURISM INFORMATION POINTS ■■Kaunas tourism

information centre, Tel +370 37 323 436 Central Office (Laisvės ave. 36): I – IV 9.00 A.M.– 6.00 P.M.; V 9.00 A.M. – 6.00 P.M.; VI – VII 10.00 A.M. – 6.00 P.M. Branches: Kaunas castle (Papilio str. 17): I – VII 10.00 A.M. – 8.00 P.M. Centras bus station (Vytauto ave. 24): I – V 8.00 A.M.– 7.00 P.M.; VI – VII 8.00 A.M. – 3.00 P.M. Centras train station (M.K. Čiurlionio str. 16): I –

VII 8.10 A.M. – 7.40 P.M. International Kaunas airport (Karmėlava): working hours vary, depending on flight times. ■■“Kauno vartai”, Tel. +370 37 321 112 Old town tourist office (Rotušės sq. 29): I-VII 9.00 A.M. – 8.00 P.M. ■■“Mūsų odisėja”, Tel. +370 37 408 410 Tourism information office (M. K. Čiurlionio str. 15): I-V 8.00 A.M. -6.00 P.M., VI-VII 10.00 A.M. – 5.00 P.M.

basketball lithuania 2011

Kaunas district – t contrasts and gro Kaunas County surrounds one of the biggest cities of Lithuania, Kaunas. The area of the county is 1496 square meters. At present here live about 91 thousand people. It is one of the most densely populated areas in Lithuania and one in which the population is constantly growing.

In Biruliskes village, located in Kaunas free economic zone, are companies “Elinta” and “Aconitum”, whose production is known all around the world. JSC “Aconitum” was awarded three gold medals in the annual contest “Lithuanian Product of the Year 2010”, held by the “Lithuanian Confederation of Industrialists”. SC “Garlita” has been awarded a gold medal for the creation of innovative sweaters resistant to cuts and sharp objects. Kaunas district is easy to reach. District is crossed by “Via Baltica” and the highway of Vil-

nius-Kaunas-Klaipeda. One of the most growing airports in Europe is also located in Kaunas district Karmelava. Kaunas airport this year was awarded by “The Euro Annie” as the most growing airport in Europe in 2010 (100 thousand to 1 million passengers per year). There are 25 elderates with 371 villages, 9 towns and 3 cities. The living history is tightly connected with the wonderful nature. The masterpiece of architecture reminds the old times. The gothic 16th century St. John the Baptist church in Zapyskis, Raudon-

■■ Kaunas airport located in Karmelava is the quickest growing airport in Europe.

dvaris Manor is a monument of the early 17th century Lithuanian Renaissance architecture, and Zemaitkiemis (Babtynas) manor, in 2009, celebrated its 500 years anniversary; these are perfect examples of the living history and culture. 302 cultural and historical objects of heritage are located even in Kaunas County.

The manors are kept for the future generations ■■ St. John the Baptist church in Zapyskis.

19 manor homesteads are also located in Kaunas County. One of the most distinctive Renaissan-

ce and Romanticism architectural ensembles (17th century) is Raudondvaris Manor. Achieving to preserve this unique place for the future generations Kaunas County organizes projects. The aim of these projects is to preserve and renew the cultural monument and to adopt it to the needs of tourists. In the building of the icehouse will be established Kaunas County Information Centre of Tourism. In the manor’s stud building – the art’s incubator. Interesting valuables are stored in Antanas Juška and Jonas Juška Museum of Ethnic Cultu-

the land of owing prospects

basketball lithuania 2011

■■ New big companies are coming to Kaunas free economic zone, located in Biruliskes village.

re, Babtai Museum of Regional Studies, Juozas Naujalis Memorial Museum, located in a picturesque place in Juozapas Liekis homestead Biliunai village on the bank of the river Nevezis. A sizeable collection of old machinery of the 19th and 20th century and ethno-cultural items are presented. In the village of Saliai in Domeikava Subdistrict, in a house of Andziulis family is remained the unique underground printing house where national, catholic and political literature were printed. It is the only printing house in Li-

thuania that was not found by the KGB.

For active people the unique suggestions

Elnias Golf Course in Lapes is the first golf course in Lithuania and was founded in the village of Didziosios Lapes. This golf course has welcomed golf lovers from Lithuania and foreign countries since 2001. Commercial hunting is also organized here. More and more County residents start their business in countryside tourism. There are 17 tourism farmsteads which

are waiting for tourists this year. Also guests are waited in tourist camps, hotel with B&B, four motels, guest house and youth hostel. An attractive place for extreme sports is the only one in the Baltic States Pagonija Rock, which is 13 meters high. For those who want to test their bravery and stamina, there are sharp corners and plenty of indentions and protrusions. Various grades of climbing are available, and it is possible to climb 12 different routes. The new entertainment “Pagonija Web” was established in 2007, climbing 10 meters high on extreme rope elements. Near Kacergine, 16 km from Kaunas is located “Nemuno Ziedas” the known automobile and motorcycle track in Lithuania. Various auto-moto championships and the sessions of extreme driving take place there all year round.

The water tourism is reviving

During the season of shipment, small tourist ships can moor in Kulautuva, Raudondvaris, Vilkija and Zapyskis on traferable berths. The most popular is the renewed route Kaunas-Kulautuva-Kaunas. This trip was ranked as the most interesting trip in Lithuania by VIVATOUR exhibition organizers and the State’s department of tourism in 2011. Tourists are happy to visit the Nemunas water and recreation service area in the district of Kaunas, Vilkija. Here still runs the twentieth century ferry, travelling from Suduva up to the river Nemunas. In 2009, the boat pier was created. Vilkija boat pier offers a variety of routes in Nemunas and Dubysa to go on kayaking or on sightseeing boats or to take any other available entertainment boats. This year, new journey has been offered to go down the river in

basketball lithuania 2011

■■ New sport centre in Garliava conforms to the national and international competitions requirements.

two eight flat-bottomed boats. During the trip in the river Nevezis, tourists can see three castles, Raudondvaris, Kaciuniskiai and Zemaitkiemis (Babtynas), visit Juozapas Liekis farm, where the Juozas Naujalis branch museum (museum of old technologies) is located, visit forge and enjoy the spectacular beauty of the river banks. Tourists are attracted to the Kaunas Reservoir impressive Valley of Juniper, Ziegzdriai exposure, Pakalniskiai and Samylai mounds and interesting “Dubrava apyrube”, where a protec-

ted forest habitat is kept. Tourists will be able to enjoy newly installed Arlaviskes Botanical Reserve (Juniper Valley), where a 1.3 km walkway is located (also available for disabled people), and Duobakalnis campsite, equipped with recreation and resting places.

Kaunas is the cradle of sportsmen

Very soon Garliava will open a sports center, corresponding to the national and international competition requirements. The project was sponsored by

the Kaunas District Municipality. The 3494 square-meters building in equipped with boxing, fitness, table tennis rooms; VIP and common platform for administrators, judges, delegates, security personnel, engineering and coach locker rooms, medical room, rest rooms and workshops, sports and equipment storages have been built. We are pleased and proud that many famous basketball players are connected with the region: Arvydas Sabonis studied at the

More information is available: Kaunas County website: www.krs.lt Tel. 8 37 30 55 80 Kaunas County Tourism Information center: Akaciju av. 29, Kulautuva, Kaunas County Tel: 8 37 54 33 18 Accomodation: http://www.krs.lt/portal/portal/

krslt/3/170?pageId=88171 Catering: http://www.krs.lt/portal/portal/ krslt/3/180?pageId=24449 Places to visit: http://www.krs.lt/portal/portal/ krslt/3/110?pageId=88101 Entertainment: http://www.krs.lt/portal/portal/ krslt/3/160?pageId=24975

■■ Raudondvaris Manor.

Lithuanian Academy of Agriculture. Now, in the same region work Vitoldas Masalkis, Algirdas Linkevičius, Mindaugas Arlauskas and others. Tadas Klimavičius, Artūras Milaknis, Vytenis Lipkevičius and Adas Juškevičius belong to the local communities and they have climbed the 2011 Lithuanian Basketball Championship podium. Kaunas region connects very strongly with the game of basketball. Many basketball players were born here, grew up, studied and some of them still live here. The surrounding neighborhood of Vilkija has another member to be proud of: Lithuania’s first ever athletics junior world champion (2010), Andrius Gudžius was born and raised here. Kaunas region is also famous for Karmelava resident, Goda Butkutė, the world’s figure skating star. Kaunas district is the green emerald which is located on the confluence of the three biggest rivers of Lithuania – Nemunas, Neris and Nevezis and famous for its nature and cultural heritage. The live history is bond with beautiful nature and wealth. The wonderful turns and valleys of the rivers Nemunas, Neris and Nevezis, Kaunas reservoir Regional Park and its untouched nature charms and catches eyes. The life there is comfortable; there are good conditions to run your business as well as to relax and recreate.

basketball lithuania 2011 group A (panevezys)

first round Won

Lost Place

Date 31 08 2011

Poland G.Britain Turkey Team Q2 Lithuania Spain

01 09 2011

group B (siauliai) Won

Lost Place

Italy Israel France

02 09 2011

Latvia Germany Serbia

Time Group Teams 15:15 A Spain–Poland 15:15 B Serbia–Italy 15:30 C Montenegro–Macedonia 15:30 D Belgium–Georgia 17:45 A Turkey–Team Q2 17:45 B France–Latvia 18:00 C Greece–Bosnia and Herzegovina 18:00 D Slovenia–Bulgaria 21:00 A Lithuania–Great Britain 21:00 B Germany–Israel 21:00 C Croatia– Team Q1 21:00 D Russia–Ukraine 15:15 A Team Q2–Spain 15:15 B Latvia–Serbia 15:30 C Bosnia and Herzegovina–Montenegro 15:30 D Bulgaria–Belgium 17:45 A Great Britain–Turkey 17:45 B Israel–France 18:00 C Team Q1–Greece 18:00 D Georgia–Russia 21:00 A Poland–Lithuania 21:00 B Italy–Germany 21:00 C Macedonia–Croatia 21:00 D Ukraine–Slovenia 15:15 A Spain–Great Britain 15:15 B Serbia–Israel 17:45 A Team Q2–Poland 17:45 B Latvia–Italy 21:00 A Turkey– Lithuania 21:00 B France–Germany

quarter final round

second round Date 07 09 2011

08 09 2011

09 09 2011

10 09 2011

11 09 2011

12 09 2011

Time 15:30 18:00 21:00 15:30 18:00 21:00 15:30 18:00 21:00 15:30 18:00 21:00 15:30 18:00 21:00 15:30 18:00 21:00

Group E E E F F F E E E F F F E E E F F F

Teams B3–A1 B2–A2 A3–B1 D3–C1 D2–C2 C3–D1 A1–B2 B3–A3 A2–B1 C1–D2 D3–C3 C2–D1 B1–A1 A2–B3 B2–A3 D1–C1 C2–D3 D2–C3

14 09 2011 18:00 (No. 79) F4

Semi-Final round The winner of game No. 79 16 09 2011 17:30 (No. 85)

F2 14 09 2011 21:00 (No. 82)

The winner of game No. 82

E2 15 09 2011 18:00 (No. 80) F3

The winner of game No. 80 16 09 2011 21:00 (No. 86)

F1 15 09 2011 21:00 (No. 81) E4

The winner of game No. 81

basketball lithuania 2011 group c (Alytus) Date 03 09 2011

04 09 2011

05 09 2011

Time Group Teams 15:30 C Team Q1–Bosnia and Herzegovina 15:30 D Ukraine–Bulgaria 18:00 C Greece–Macedonia 18:00 D Slovenia–Georgia 21:00 C Croatia–Montenegro 21:00 D Russia–Belgium 15:15 A Great Britain–Team Q2 15:15 B Israel–Latvia 15:30 C Macedonia– Team Q1 15:30 D Georgia–Ukraine 17:45 A Poland–Turkey 17:45 B Italy–France 18:00 C Montenegro–Greece 18:00 D Bulgaria–Russia 21:00 A Lithuania–Spain 21:00 B Germany–Serbia 21:00 C Bosnia and Herzegovina–Croatia 21:00 D Belgium–Slovenia 15:15 A Great Britain–Poland 15:15 B Israel–Italy 15:30 C Team Q1–Montenegro 15:30 D Georgia–Bulgaria 17:45 A Spain–Turkey 17:45 B Latvia–Germany 18:00 C Greece–Croatia 18:00 D Slovenia–Russia 21:00 A Team A2–Lithuania 21:00 B Serbia–France 21:00 C Macedonia–Bosnia and Herzegovina 21:00 D Ukraine–Belgium

Won

Lost Place

Won

Lost Place

Bosnia and Her zegovina

Macedo nia

Croatia Team Q1 Monte negro Greece

group D (klaipeda) Bulgaria Georgia Russia Ukraine Belgium Slovenia

classification game for 3rd to 4th place The loser of game No. 85 18 09 2011 17:30 (No. 89) The loser of game No. 86

classification games for 5th to 8th place

classification game for 7th place

The loser of game No. 79

The loser of game No. 83

15 09 2011 15:30 (No. 83)

17 09 2011 18:00 (No. 87)

The loser of game No. 82

The loser of game No. 84 classification game for 5th place

Final The winner of game No. 85

The loser of game No. 80

The winner of game No. 83

18 09 2011 21:00 (No. 90)

16 09 2011 15:00 (No. 84)

17 09 2011 21:00 (No. 88)

The winner of game No. 86

The loser of game No. 81

The winner of game No. 84

Radvil iš

kio st

r. Radviliški o

io str.

n J.Jano

o str .

Puša

Nem un

lių s tr.

Marij

onų

Nev ė

Upė

žis

Taikos

str. str.

Stoties str.

st Plukių

loto

Šiau

str.

s str .

str.

A.Jak što s tr.

str.

nų st

Berčiū

o str.

Kaun

str.

tr. go s dau Min

str. r. no st

Kau

str. blikos Respu

str. Teatro

str.

Teatro

str.

Aido

kio K.Bin

us kevičia A.Mac

r. čio st mies Nauja

Tulpių

Parko str.

Taikos str.

str.

tr. go s dau Min

str.

tr. uno s

str. škos D.Po

Aido

Nem

rio Švytu

tr. ičio s

nela

K.Do

o str. čiaus

lan M.Va o str. čiaus

str. inos

Neringos st

Graž

Nemuno str.

str.

os eton

. nio str

A.Sm

J.Bieli

str.

Nemuno str.

Urbšio str.

Tulpių str.

str. nautų Kosm o

r. F.Vaitkaus st

s str.

sios

bliko

u Resp

str.

16-o

r. Seinų st

tr. aro s J.Zik

str . vy čių J.T il

str.

ss tr. Up ytė

vy čių

str .

nė ev ičie an

dros

Kate

sq.

tr. ičių s

a Varn

Žyg ei

vių str.

Z.K

J.T il

uli ači

ss tr.

os tr.

S.M

str.

str. utės Dan

on io

str.

kant o

str.

A.G

S.Da u

os str.

iulio

č S.Ma

ko .Paltaro Vysk. K

st uno

s str.

-Bitė aitės tkevič G.Pe

. str nto

tr. lkų s

a ižg Va

Serm

Suva

Aldon

tr. lkų s

Suva

tr. uto s

ės sq.

usomyb

Neprikla

s str.

st nto

uka

Klaipėdos st

o enav Krek

K.Būgos st

Nem tr. itės s itės-B a ič v tke G.Pe Molainių str.

rio

tr. aro s J.Zik

tr. lkų s Suva

Vas a

str.

Klaipėdos st

S.Da

str.

Žvaigždžių str.

išk

ia Kn

tr. ųs

str.

Nidos str.

Kniaudiškių

no Siety

o str.

Palangos Klaipėdos st

os eton

osios str.

A.Sm

kų str.

str.

Vasario16-

im Atmin

Statybinin

iaus

kų str.

o str.

in P.Puz

ckevič

čio st mies

Statybinin

A.Ma

ko str .

Nauja

Pa r

lan M.Va

tr. uno s

Nem Pilėnų str.

čių vy

il J.T

. str

S.Ke rb

edžio

Varpo st r.

Viltie

s str.

str.

Varpo str.

ijo

nų

str .

Ąžuolų str. Senamiesčio str.

Vensla viškio

o st

sči mie

Elektronikos str.

mies čio st

Lentpjūvių str.

Darbininkų str.

Kanapių str.

Sen

str.

no str.

Liep ų

str.

Šermukšnių str.

Elektronikos str.

Tinklų str.

str.

Sena

Naujoji str.

str.

Smėlynės str.

onų

Liepų str.

Marij

edžio

Audėjų st r.

Smėlynės str.

S.Ke rb

J.Vaitie kū

Maironio str.

Sporto str.

str .

čių str. Anykš

Nevėžis

J.B i

liū

o str.

in P.Puz

ės str.

Kranto str.

J.Biliūno str.

Smėlyn

Šv. Zitos str.

gie

Ža

galių

Žiem

Elektros str.

Ukmergės str.

ana vi

čiau

Sodų

Ramygalos str.

Sirupio

. ių str Marg

str. str.

č štai Auk

Stan iūnų str. ičių

. to str

a Žem

str.

ržų

o str.

s vė stu

au Sp

Beržų

str.

ržų

. str

tr. nų s

iū Stan

str.

. ių str

Marg

st os

l yga Ram

str. utės Dan

galų Lakštin

. str

Jaunim

str. Lauko

. Ryto str

ų st

aiči

Žem

str.

str. Trakų

io str.

Sirup

os ntvil V.Mo

str.

a Aukšt

ko str. Zanavy

. ių str Marg

iaus

Sodų

tr. ičių s

ių st

č štai Auk

u Vyta

. io str

č Kęstu

navič

a J.Bas

Algirdo str.

ių st

str. byno Ram

str. str. dros Kate

str .

r. do st Algir

do st Algir

Žemaitės str.

str.

iaus

J.Ba s

Viln

Ve lž

ių Kurš

iūnų

ų str.

hway

ig stės h Pajuo

Vilnia

Stan

Savanori

str.

us str.

. to str

s str .

u Vyta

Ukmergės str.

Marių st

34 basketball lithuania 2011

group

■■ New universal sports arena in Panevezys was completed in October 2008. Šarūnas Mažeika (BFL) photo.

Panevezys Arena Jurgis Švedas

Panevezys sports arena can hold both basketball games and cycling race. It has the only indoor cycling track in the Baltic countries. The roof of universal arena is exceptional, covering 6.7 thousand square meters, the largest covered area in Lithuania without partitions. When standing on the roof of Panevezys arena, one gets the sense as if standing on a huge inflated balloon. The height of

building is equivalent to a standard 8-storey house. Arena is located in the outskirts of park, near the Panevezys city center, making it easy to find. Arena contains 6 fast-food bars, 3 bars, and one VIP bar. During the basketball games, the viewers have to sit farther from the court because of the cycling track. However, the quality of visibility does not suffer. Arena cycling track is 250 meters long and meets all the Olympic requirements. It is already confirmed that 2012 European Track Cycling Championship will be held in Panevezys arena.

The decision was made by the European Cycling Union (UEC). European Championship in Lithuania will be held after the Olympic Games in London, in late October or November.

thousand basketball fans can watch games in this arena.

Additional information in numbers: ■■Construction Cost: 108 mil. litas ■■Number of Seats: 5950 ■■Area: 23477.4 m² ■■Height: 24.05 meters ■■Architects: JSC „Forma”, Saulius Mikštas ■■Opened: 24 October, 2008 ■■Address: Parko Str 12, Panevezys

basketball lithuania 2011

■■ Robertas Javtokas (with the ball). Tomas Ragina photo.

Team leaders:

NBA players:

Lithuania

Šarūnas Jasikevičius, Rimantas Kaukėnas, Mantas Kalnietis, Martynas Pocius, Tomas Delininkaitis, Paulius Jankūnas, Robertas Javtokas.

Jonas Valančiūnas (Toronto Raptors).

Lithuania men’s basketball team debuted at the European Championships in 1937 and won gold medals.

Candidates to Lithuania national basketball team

Guards: Mantas Kalnietis (195 cm), Martynas Pocius (196 cm), Tomas Delininkaitis (190 cm), Šarūnas Jasikevičius (193 cm), Rimantas Kaukėnas (192 cm). Forwards: Simas Jasaitis (201 cm), Mindaugas Lukauskis (198

Lithuania

cm), Paulius Jankūnas (205 cm), Darius Songaila (206 cm), Ksystof Lavrinovič (210 cm). Centers: Robertas Javtokas (211 cm), Darjus Lavrinovič (212 cm), Jonas Valančiūnas (210 cm) Marijonas Petravičius (208 cm).

The Lithuanian players became champions of Europe in 1939 and 2003; they won silver medals in 1995 and bronze medals in 2007. In Eurobasket 2009, Lithuania men’s basketball team shared 11–12 positions with Germany. Lithu-

anian basketball players won bronze medals in 1992, 1996 and 200 in the Olympic Games and took bronze medals in 2010 World Championship. Head coach Kęstutis Kemzūra commented: “Our goal is to play in the Eurobasket 2011 finals and win tickets to the London Olympics. A task is very hard to achieve, but it is not unrealistic. After all, we will seek our purpose at home. We will do everything possible.”

basketball lithuania 2011

■■ Hidayet Türkoğlu. Reuters photo.

Team leaders:

NBA players:

Turkey

Kerem Tunçeri, Ersan İlyasova, Hidayet Türkoğlu, Ömer Onan, Ömer Aşık.

Ersan İlyasova (Milwaukee Bucks), Hidayet Türkoğlu (Orlando Magic), Semih Arden (Cleveland Cavaliers), Enes Karten (Utah Jazz), Ömer Aşık (Chicago Bulls).

Candidates to Turkey national basketball team

Guards: Barış Ermiş (194 cm), Kerem Tunçeri (191 cm), Doğuş Balbay (185 cm), Ömer Onan (194 cm), Ender Arslan (190 cm).

cm), Furkan Aldemir (208 cm), Ersan İlyasova (208 cm), Hidayet Türkoğlu (208 cm), Enes Kanter (211 cm).

Forwards: İzzet Türkyılmaz (210 cm), Cenk Akyol (200 cm), Sinan Güler (196 cm), Emir Preldžić (206

Centers: Oğuz Savaş (213 cm), Sertaç Şanlı (214 cm), Ömer Aşık (213 cm), Semih Arden (213 cm).

Turkey Turkey men’s national basketball team debuted at the European Championships in 1949 and took 4th place.

Their highest achievement is silver medals in 2001 European Championships, after losing the finals to Yugoslavia 69:78. In 2009, Turks finished European Championship in 8th place. Turkish team sports trophy collection also includes silver medals won in the 2010 World Championship.

Head coach of the team, Orhun Ene commented, “We are trying to save all the experienced players in our team, but will be also using several promising young players. In this European Championship we will have strong competitors in our group. Turkey men’s national team traditionally is unlucky in the competitions that take place outside our country. However, we are going to try very hard in pursuing our goal, the place in 2012 London’s Olympic Games.”

basketball lithuania 2011

Poland Poland men’s national basketball team debuted at the European Championships in 1937 and took 4th place. Their highest achievement is silver medals in 1963 Championships and bronze medals in 1939, 1965 and 1967. In 2009 European Championships, Poland took 9th place. Head coach Ale Pipan has commented on the team: “Poland has a lot of good players. I think that we will be able to assemble a team able to play any other European team.”

Team leaders: Poland

Thomas Kelati, Adam Łapeta, Łukasz Koszarek, Szymon Szewczyk, Adam Hrycaniuk.

Candidates to Poland national basketball team

Guards: Łukasz Koszarek (187 cm), Robert Skibniewski (183 cm), Tomasz Śnieg (189 cm), Łukasz Wiśniewski (186 cm), Dardan Berisha (191 cm), Thomas Kelati (195 cm), Piotr Pamuła (190 cm). Forwards: Michał Gabiński (204 cm), Paweł Leończyk (203 cm), Szymon Szewczyk (209 cm), Piotr Szczotka (196 cm), Jarosław Mokros (198 cm), Adam Waczyński (198 cm). Centers: Adam Hrycaniuk (206 cm), Damian Kulig (205 cm), Adam Łapeta (217 cm).

■■ Łukasz Koszarek. Scanpix photo.

basketball lithuania 2011

Great Britain Great Britain men’s national basketball team debuted at the European Championships in 1981 and took 12th place. In 2009, British players shared 1316 positions with Latvia, Bulgaria and Israel. Head coach Chris Finch commented: “We have collected almost all of our best players. The opportunities of our experienced players are beyond doubt. We expect great contribution of our young players.”

NBA players: Great Britain

Luol Deng (Chicago Bulls).

Candidates to Great Britain basketball team

Guards: Ogo Adegboye (183 cm), Devan Bailey (183 cm), Flinder Boyd (180 cm), Kyle Johnson (198 cm), James Jones (193 cm), Mike Lenzly (189 cm), Andrew Lawrence (186 cm), Alex Marcotullio (190 cm), Nate Reinking (188 cm), Justin Robinson (188 cm), Devon van Oostrum (200 cm). Forwards: Matthew BryanAmaning (206 cm), Daniel Clark (208 cm), Luol Deng (206 cm), Laurence Ekperigin (201 cm), Joel Freeland (208 cm), Ashley Hamilton (210 cm), Ryan Richards (213 cm), Andew Sullivan (203 cm), Kieron Achara (208 cm). Centers: Robert Archibald (209 cm), Christopher Ayer (211 cm), Eric Boateng (208 cm).

■■ Robert Archibald (with the ball). AFP photo.

The tallest player in Great Britain team is Ryan Richards,

213

cm height.

Team leaders: Great Britain

Luol Deng, Joel Freeland, Eric Boateng, Robert Archibald.

basketball lithuania 2011

Spain

Spain men’s national basketball team debuted at the European Championships in 1935 and won 2nd place. Its highest achievements are gold medals in 2009, silver medals in 1935, 1973, 1983, 1999, 2003 and 2007, and bronze medals in 1991 and 2001. In addition to this, Spain has 1984 and 2008 Olympic Games silver medals and 2006 World Championship gold medals. Head coach Sergio Scariolo stated: “The European Championships in Lithuania will be the strongest over the past 20 years. The strong teams will play with their biggest stars and 7–8 of them will very seriously try to win gold medals. Our team is getting younger, so we are even hungrier for victories.”

Candidates to Spain national basketball team

Guards: Juan Carlos Navarro (192 cm), José Manuel Calderón (192 cm), Ricky Rubio (190 cm), Sergio Llull (192 cm), Fernando San Emeterio (199 cm), Víctor Sada (192 cm). Forwards: Felipe Reyes (206 cm), Rudy Fernández (195 cm), Víctor Claver (205 cm), Carlos Suárez (202 cm), Serge Ibaka (207 cm). ■■ Pau Gasol.

Centers: Pau Gasol (215 cm), Marc Gasol (215 cm).

Team leaders: Spain

Paul Gasol, Rudy Fernández, Jose Manuel Calderón, Juan Carlos Navarro, Ricky Rubio.

Reuters photo.

Spain has participated in

European Championships

NBA players: Spain

Pau Gasol (Los Angeles Lakers), Rudy Fernández (Portland Trail Blazers), Jose Manuel Calderón (Toronto Raptors), Marc Gasol (Memphis Grizzlies), Serge Ibaka (Oklahoma City Thunder).

Appe

basketball lithuania 2011

group

■■ The sports arena in Siauliai opened its doors four years ago. Redas Vilimas (BFL) photo.

Siauliai Arena Jurgis Švedas

Siauliai sports arena is the first large scale sports building, partially funded by the European Union funds. However, this is not the only distinctive feature of the fourth-largest city’s arena: all the façade of sports arena is covered with holographic glass. On a sunny day, arena sparkles in a variety of colors. Arena is multi-functional: it contains a sports club, security

service, medical office, sporting good stores, sports museum, a betting point, conference hall, sauna complex and basketball gym. Siauliai sports arena is equipped with 27 VIP suites and a VIP club serving 143 people. It also has 7 cafes and restaurants. The arena is very safe: according to calculations, in case of emergency, 15 thousand people could be evacuated, even though the maximum number of spectators in concerts is 7.4 thousand and even lower during basketball games. The building is equipped with a separa-

te isolated area to keep aggressive persons, until the arrival of police. The most debated aspect of Siauliai arena are open toilets. Arena is also equipped with elevators.

5.7

thousand fans can watch basketball games in this arena.

Additional information in numbers: ■■Construction Cost: 75.5 mil. litas ■■Number of Seats: around 5 700 ■■Area: 20 000 m² ■■Height: 19.5 meters ■■Architects: Eugenijus Miliūnas Group of Architects ■■Address: Jono Jablonskio Str 16, Siauliai ■■Opened: 25 July, 2007

ss tr.

ško

Pa la

J.Š l

iūp

Gin tar os tr.

Bir

us st

Ša

ss tr.

tri

jos

str .

bovo

Pa la

nk ųs tr.

e. av

ait ės

. str

str .

dir

on tvi

los

uk an to str .

glo va ro

oli

ro s

tr. os

iči

str .

ss tr.

s rie

išk Lyd o

bij

str.

Vy ta

ss tr.

lni

uto

P.C vir

ko s

str .

o ar Dv

str .

r Va

e S.N

Ro k

av e.

ait ės Že m

nė

r. itaičių st

ss tr.

. str

str .

inė

ss tr.

s žė

str .

bij

lių

p tu ėn

Kau

ių . str

kin

ain

ės

Pa g

lių

str .

ėg

ių

str .

K.D

Ve rd

Ka n

ap ių

str .

jyk

los

str .

. str

Lie

s žė

str.

str .

uli

str .

Ra g

Dr us

išk

ės

ink ųs tr.

. str

r ve Vo

str .

os tr.

nė ss tr.

. str io

ės

lm Ke

m kie

tr. ųs

r Da

str.

ela

iči

Pr am

str .

Ve rd u

Va iro str .

uk ųs tr.

K.D

Sta

kio

Žaliūkų str.

Til

stė s

str.

Vov eriš

kių

ilos

ss tr.

Da ru

str.

Pre

ins k

tie

lons

b J.Ja

k hite Arc

io str.

Sto

str.

Žem

tr. tų s

. str

Til

P.V iš

s aitė

ųs tr.

Au š

str .

ss tr.

S.D a

str .

e J.Ž

tr. ikių s

Ru s

To p

V.M

V.K u

os tr.

. str

Nore

ko s

tr. ss

au rg Tu

ko s

lių

Sė

str .

dio

la .Va

Va isi ų

ini Da rb

Sta

P.C vir

lyn

Dobilo str.

s ro

a S.D

ia nč

Vy ta

str .

Že m

. str nto a uk

š Au

str.

B.S ruo go ss tr.

ės bin Gu m

lio s tr.

str.

str .

Dar že

uto

str.

Graf o Zu

de lyn o

Sodo

str .

os tr.

utė

str .

Vilnia

Pa rko str

ijo

tr. os

eli ink

ž ele

rija

ų str .

L.Giro s str.

str .

Ag ro n

str .

Liep

str .

V.Ku dirko s st

str .

kio

olė ss tr.

nt ie

No vat ori ų

str.

ss tr.

in k ųs tr.

rijo

os tr.

Uo gy nų

Da ržin

Ve ter i

Va n

ško

Pa la

iūp

J.Bas anav ičiaus str.

J.Š l

ela

iči

os tr.

. str

Spindulio st

Svajon ių

str.

nų Ginkū lake

Skry džio

Kra

nti n

ės

Dvaro

str.

Svajonių

str.

inkų

str.

Tilž ės

n Žuvi

str.

str. Ra so s

str .

Sm Au kšt oji

ėli

str .

os tr.

Žv y

ro str .

tr. ss

ido

Telkša lake

tin

Tie

ji st

str.

ųs tr.

sio

tin

tr. ss

Žem

go Ry

Ežero str.

sių

str .

Ale

. str

ksa n

dri

Tin

jos

str .

str.

nk ųs tr.

čių

rsių

Žu vin i

Pad i

str.

klų

str.

Š S.

str.

Žilv i

. str kų Tra

s au alk

oji

Raso s

ųs tr.

Salduvė

r. Lygumų st

ių s tr.

ių str .

Šak

str.

ųs tr.

ss tr.

sko au lin

enų

Pri

kio

viš lka

str.

Se rb

ųs tr.

išk

s st

vil

bys o

d Ra

. str

str .

ško

ių

šn Vy

en tų

str .

Ky ba rt

. str

Vy šn i

D.P o

žio

Rėž ių

rūd

Pa p

str .

Vilniaus str.

str .

Stendo str.

ro str. Eže

stų

Pa p

str .

str.

Rė ky vo s

rio

lno

tor i

ės str.

str.

Tra k

Ragain

str.

Linkuvos

a vas Pa

s str.

. Baisiogalos str

o str.

Šeduvos

Joniškėli

Elnio st

Vilniau

Papievių st

str .

iev

uto

s str.

Vy ta

Pelkių str.

44 basketball lithuania 2011

Germany Germany men’s national basketball team debuted at the European Championships in 1951 and took 12th place. Their top wins are gold medals in 1993 and silver medals in 2005. German basketball players won bronze medals in 2002 World Championships. Head coach Dirk Bauermann said that, “Our goal is the ticket to London Olympics and with Dirk Nowitzki we can get it.”

Team leaders: Germany

Dirk Nowitzki, Chris Kaman, Stefen Hamann, Jan-Hendrik Jagla, Heiko Schaffartzik.

NBA players: Germany

Dirk Nowitzki (Dallas Mavericks), Chris Kaman (Los Angeles Clippers).

Candidates to Germany national basketball team ■■ Dirk Nowitzki. AFP photo.

Guards: Heiko Schaffartzik (183 cm), Per Guenter (184 cm), Steffen Hamann (194 cm), Johannes Herber (197 cm), Philipp Schwethelm (201 cm), Lucca Staiger (195 cm). Forwards: Sven Schultze (206 cm), Konrad Wysocki (202 cm),

Philip Zwiener (201 cm), Dirk Nowitzki (213 cm), Robin Benzing (208 cm), Jan-Hendrik Jagla (213 cm), Tim Ohlbrecht (210 cm). Centers: Tibor Pleiß (215 cm), Chris Kaman (213 cm), Christopher McNaughton (211 cm).

basketball lithuania 2011

■■ Janis Blūms. Reuters photo.

Latvia Latvia men’s national basketball team debuted at the European Championships in 1935 and won gold medals.

In 1939 Latvian team won silver medals and in 2001 took 8th place. Head coach Ainars Bagatskis commented: “Only those who want it very much should play in our national team. If we

Team leaders: Latvia

prepare properly, we will be serious opponents to any team.”

Janis Blūms, Pavels Veselovs.

Candidates to Latvia national basketball team

Guards: Janis Blūms (190 cm), Janis Strelnieks (190 cm), Dairis Bertans (193 cm), Edgars Jeromanovs (188 cm), Marekas Jurevičus (198 cm).

Timermanis (203 cm), Artūrs Berzins (204 cm), Pavels Veselovs (207 cm), Rolands Freimanis (211 cm), Marek Mejers (207 cm).

Forwards: Rihards Kuksiks (202 cm), Aksels Vairogs (195 cm), Davis Bertans (207 cm), Ivars

Centers: Andrejs Shelakovs (208 cm), Lauris Blaus (204 cm), Martins Mejers (208 cm).

Latvia men’s national basketball team debuted at the European Championships in

1935

and won gold medals.

46 basketball lithuania 2011

■■ Andrea Bargnani (with the ball). Reuters photo.

Team leaders:

NBA players:

Italy

Andrea Bargnani, Marco Bellinelli, Marco Mordente, Danilo Gallinari.

Marco Bellineli (New Orleans Hornets), Danilo Gallinari (Denver Nuggets), Andrea Bargnani (Toronto Raptors).

Candidates to Italy national basketball team

Guards: Marco Bellineli (196 cm), Marco Carraretto (193 cm), Daniele Cavaliero (188 cm), Andrea Cinciarini (190 cm), Antonio Maestranzi (178 cm), Marco Mordente (193 cm), Giuseppe Poeta (190 cm), Daniel Hackett (199 cm), Luca Vitali (201 cm).

Forwards: Luigi Datome (203 cm), Danilo Gallinari (208 cm), Stefano Mancinelli (203 cm). Centers: Andrea Bargnani (213 cm), Marco Cusin (211 cm), Andrea Renzi (208 cm)..

Italy Italy men’s national basketball team debuted at the European Championships in 1937 and won 2nd place. The team’s highest achievements are gold medals in 1983 and 1999, silver medals in 1937, 1946, 1991 and 1997, and bronze medals in 1971,

1975, 1985 and 2003. The Italian basketball sports trophy collection also has 1980 and 2004 Olympic Games silver medals. Head Coach Simone Pianigiani said that, “We are very attracted by the opportunity in this Championship to open the doors for us to the London Olympic Games.”

basketball lithuania 2011

■■ Dušan Ivkovič. AFP photo.

Team leaders: Serbia

Miloš Teodosič, Novica Veličkovič, Nenad Krstič, Aleksandr Rašič.

Serbia

Serbia men’s national basketball team debuted at the European Championships in 2007 and took 13th place.

Candidates to Serbia national basketball team

Guards: Miloš Teodosič (195 cm), Stefan Markovič (199 cm), Milenko Tepič (200 cm), Aleksandr Rašič (195 cm), Uroš Tripkovič (198 cm), Dragan Milosavljevič (198 cm), Ivan Paunič (194 cm). Forwards: Marko Kešelj (206 cm),

Nemanja Bjelica (209 cm), Milan Mačvan (203 cm), Duško Savanovič (204 cm), Novica Veličkovič (205 cm). Centers: Kosta Perovič (218 cm), Boban Marjanovič (222 cm), Nenad Krstič (213 cm).

Their highest achievement is silver medals won in 2009. Serbia and Montenegro men’s basketball team took 6th place in 2003 and 9th place in 2005. Head coach Du an Ivkovič said that, “We are winners of silver medals in 2009 and in the World Championship of 2010 we took 4th place. I believe in all of my players”.

The former Yugoslavian and Serbian national teams have won

European Championships.

48 basketball lithuania 2011

■■ Tony Parker. AFP photo.

Team leaders:

NBA players:

France

Tony Parker, Joakim Noah, Boris Diaw, Nicola Batum, Mickael Pietrus.

Tony Parker (San Antonio Spurs), Nicola Batum (Portland Trail Blazers), Boris Diaw (Charlotte Bobcats), Joakim Noah (Chicago Bulls), Mickael Pietrus (Phoenix Suns), Ronny Turiaf (New York Knicks), Kevin Seraphin (Washington Wizards).

Candidates to France national basketball team

Guards: Tony Parker (188 cm), Antoine Diot (193 cm), Nando De Colo (196 cm), Mickael Pietrus (198 cm), Andrew Albicy (178 cm), Fabien Causeur (193 cm). Forwards: Nicola Batum (203 cm),

Mickael Gelabale (200 cm), Boris Diaw (203 cm), Florent Pietrus (202 cm), Charles Lombahe-Kahudi (199 cm). Centers: Joakim Noah (211 cm), Ronny Turiaf (208 cm), Kevin Seraphin (206 cm).

France France men’s national basketball team debuted at the European Championships in 1935 and took 5th place. Its top results are silver medals in 1949 and bronze medals in 1937, 1951, 1953, 1959 and 2005. In addition to this, French team has Olympic silver medals won

in 1948 and 2000 Games. Head coach Vincent Collet stated that “We have a very good team, but our opponents are also strong. Our results will be determined by our mutual understanding and cohesion. In 2009 European Championship our defense was the best because of our players’ athleticism. This year, the main task is to attack quickly.”

basketball lithuania 2011

■■ Omri Casspi (in the left). Reuters photo.

Team leaders:

NBA players:

Israel

Omri Casspi, Lior Eliyahu, David Bluthenthal, Tal Burstein, Yaniv Green.

Omri Casspi (Cleveland Cavaliers).

Candidates to Israel national basketball team

Guards: Tal Burstein (198 cm), Gal Mekel (191 cm), Yotam Halperin (196 cm), Afik Nissim (180 cm), Yogev Ohayon (189 cm), Yuval Naimy (188 cm). Forwards: Lior Eliyahu (207 cm),

Guy Pnini (201 cm), David Bluthenthal (202 cm), Elishay Kadir (203 cm), Uri Kokia (203 cm), Omri Casspi (206 cm). Centers: Yaniv Green (206 cm), Robert Rothbart (217 cm).

Israel Israel men’s national basketball team debuted at the European Championships in 1953 and took 5th place. Their highest achievement is silver medals won in 1979. In 2009 European Championship, they ranked 14th. Head coach: Arik Shivek.

2nd place

is The highest achievement of Israel national basketball team at the European Championships.

basketball lithuania 2011

group

■■ Alytus sports arena has been recently reconstructed. Daiva Jakubauskienė photo.

Alytus Arena Jurgis Švedas

Alytus sports and recreation center was built in 1977, but it completely renovated this year. Before the reconstruction, the center had been to contain 1.2 thousand basketball spectators, but now the center is four times bigger. Near the court, the press suite is located. Arena has café and conference room. Renovated Alytus sports arena is customized for basketball fans

with disabilities: two special lifts and toilets are constructed. Near the court, ten places are left for persons in wheelchairs. Basketball fans noted the coziness of arena because spectators sit close to the court. “They will be able to hear the instructions of coaches, players and even the sound of their breathing”, commented the Lithuanian Basketball Federation President Vladas Garastas. The first to try the new arena were the strongest Lithuanian basketball clubs, during the Lithuanian Basketball Federation Cup tournament of semifinals.

The arena building is a part of sports complex. In the nearby building, the only in Lithuania, an eighttrack, 50-meter swimming pool is build. There is also a track for field athletics, martial arts sports and dance halls.

5.5

thousand fans can watch basketball games in this arena.

Additional information in numbers: ■■Construction Cost: 27 mil. litas ■■Number of Seats: 5500 ■■Area: about 15000 m² ■■Height: 8.5 meters to girder ■■Opened: 12 February, 2011 ■■Architects: Romualdas Kemežys Architect Group ■■Address: Naujoji Str 52, Alytus

Druskininkai Aqua Park is the largest paradise of water amusements and baths in Eastern Europe, the member of European Waterpark Association! We offer for You 6 waterslides, huge swimming pools, 22 different baths, hotel AQUA, SPA centers, bowling and night club.

Come to Druskininkai Aqua Park until 30 September 2011, have this coupon and try our attractions for 3 hours just for 45 LTL! (~13 EUR, the offer is valid for one person).

You can find us at: Vilniaus Ave 13 Druskininkai, Lithuania Tel.: +370 313 52 338 info@akvapark.lt

www.aquapark.lt

lnė

nų

Voveraičių str.

Pu tin ųs tr.

str .

os tr.

str.

nių

Uosių str.

lti

tr. ųs

n kū

ų Žirg

Ša

Sa kų str .

tr. os

. str ko

u La

str.

n ny Jo

Sanatorijos str.

nų str.

Giraitės str.

Saulė

. Miškininkų str

str .

Jiezno

str. Pramonės

str . o m un

lank os st

str . čio atu

Vėtrungės str.

Vieversių str.

Pavasario str.

str. anto

itės

str.

-Vai žg

Žem a

J.Tu mo

s str.

V.Ku d

irko

ovė jo

Va rė no s

str.

Pulko st

ško

Užu

Mairo

r. str.

Alo vės str.

str.

jos str. Gam yklo s str .

Seinų str. Lišk iavo s str .

Pulko str.

Vidzgirio

Dainavos str.

ų str.

tr. os usk

Lazdyn

Per lo nų

dė

Girininkų str.

Kran to s tr. to s tr.

Ulo

Kuro r

ili

to str .

Gardino st

Santaikos str.

ara

str.

. str o gi V r y a ta M u

str .

ės rėv V.K

r. nio st

ss tr.

A.B

l pyk Ke

Kernavės str.

s st

A.M

us s tr.

. str

Dau gų

Užuo

ana vičia

ro s

tr. os

J.Ba s

utė

Au š

ųs tr.

str .

ji s tr.

n šy

Bir

str.

. Rūtų str

str.

kelio st

ų vaj Sud

Geležin

str.

Ulo

nų

Ne m

Doma

inės s tr. Sau lės s tr. Pilia kaln io st r.

Lel ij

Sporto st

st S.Girėno

Suvalkų

tr. ųs

tr. os

nim

Jau ų ton Kaš

Jotvingių str.

oli

Sta

tr. ųs nk

. str

Top

tr. gės s

n Volu

ų irij

i bin

tr. ųs

ori

van Sa

kio st

Merk

žo str.

Ligoninės str.

Med inink ų str. Gedim ino s tr.

lio str.

str. urių Sa jak ulėte

Plia

s ir S.Dariau

str. Žiburio

Žal io

str.

s str. Tvirtovė

ų Jazmin

Nau

Vėjo str.

str. Upe lio

ų st

str.

. str

Kaln

str. ties Atei . str. aus str str. itės i aro vila Gint apavič Rad s o oz bor Bar A.Ju

Ežerė

Šlaito str.

str.

Gėlių str.

gio

str.

o str.

. str

Vin

joji

Mėtų

Kaun

os tr.

str.

s bė my Ra

eli

ųs tr.

Nau

r. Vilties st

Šil

Gili

em N

Liepų

Šaltinėlio str.

Tiesos str.

tojų

str.

Žu

Punios str.

lyno

Par ko s t

tr. to s vin

džio Me

e Med

Panem uninkėli ų str.

Audros str.

Klevų str.

str.

ntonių

str.

basketball lithuania 2011

■■ Ioannis Bourousis (No 5). AFP photo.

Team leaders:

NBA players:

Greece

Nikos Zisis, Antonis Fotsis, Ioannis Bourousis.

Kostas Koufos (Denver Nuggets).

Candidates to Greece national basketball team

Guards: Nikos Zisis (197 cm), Evangelos Mantzaris (195 cm), Kostas Vasileiadis (200 cm), Vasilis Xanthopoulos (188 cm), Kostas Sloukas (198 cm), Nickos Calathes (198 cm). Forwards: Kostas Papanikolaou

(203 cm), Kostas Kaimakoglou (205 cm), Kostas Koufos (213 cm), Michael Bramos (198 cm), Antonis Fotsis (209 cm), Pat Calathes (208 cm). Centers: Ianas Vougioukas (211 cm), Ioannis Bourousis (213 cm), Dimitris Mavroeidis (209 cm).

Greece Greece men’s national basketball team debuted at the European Championships in 1949 and took 3rd place. The team’s top results are gold medals in 1987 and 2005; silver medals won in 1989 and bronze medals in 1949 and

2009. Greek basketball trophy collection also has 2006 World Championship silver medals. Head coach Iias Zouros commented: “When all the teams are strong, it is not possible to expect an easy game. We will try to win medals in Lithuania.”

54 basketball lithuania 2011

Croatia Croatia men’s basketball team debuted at the European Championships in 1993 and took 3rd place. Its highest achievements are bronze medals in the Eurobasket of 1993 and 1995. In 2009 Eurobasket, Croatia finished in 6th place. The Croatian team has silver medals won in 1992 Olympic Games and 1994 World Championship bronze medals. Head coach, Josip Vranković has stated that: “Our goal is to win the right to participate in the Olympic Games. I think that we are able to accomplish this task.”

Team leaders: Croatia

Ante Tomić, Marko Popović, Bojan Bogdanović.

Candidates to Croatia national basketball team

Guards: Marko Car (188 cm), Dontaye Draper (180 cm), Marko Popović (185 cm), Krunoslav Simon (197 cm), Roko Stipčević (184 cm), Marko Tomas (201 cm). Forwards: Bojan Bogdanović (202 cm), Damir Markota (209 cm), Damjan Rudež (208 cm). Centers: Lukša Andrić (210 cm), Stanko Barać (217 cm), Ante Tomić (218 cm), Luka Žorić (211 cm). ■■ Marko Popović (No. 6). AFP photo.

basketball lithuania 2011

■■ Mirza Teletovič. AFP photo.

Bosnia and Herzegovina Bosnia and Herzegovina men’s national basketball team debuted at the European Championships in 1993 and took 8th place.

Head coach Sabit Hadžič commented: “In this European Championship we are going to play having the strongest players. The generation of Mirza Teletovič, Ni-

had Džedovič has grown up and can get the team into the second round.”

Team leaders: Bosnia and Herzegovina

Mirza Teletovič, Nihad Džedovič, Kenan Bajramovič, Henry Domercant.

Candidates to Bosnia and Herzegovina national basketball team

Guards: Nemanja Gordič (192 cm), Sasha Vasiljevič (184 cm), Aleksei Nešovič (189 cm), J.R.Bremer (188 cm), Diego Kapelan (191 cm), Nihad Džedovič (197 cm), Henry Domercant (193 cm), Goran Ikonič (196 cm) . Forwards: Mujo Tuljkovič (203

cm), Miralem Halilovič (205 cm), Milan Miloševič (200 cm), Mirza Teletovič (206 cm), Kenan Bajramovič (206 cm), Edin Bavčič (210 cm), Adnan Hodžič (203 cm). Centers: Ratko Varda (216 cm), Elmedin Kikanovič (211 cm).

basketball lithuania 2011

■■ Pero Antič. AFP photo.

Team leaders: Macedonia

Bo McCalebb, Vlado Ilijevski, Pero Antič.

Macedonia

Candidates to Macedonia national basketball team

Guards: Dimitar Mirakovski (180 cm), Marko Simonovski (190 cm), Ivica Dimchevski (192 cm), Aleksandr Kostoski (188 cm), Vojdan Stojanovski (194 cm), Darko Sokolov (190 cm), Bo McCalebb (183 cm), Vlado Ilijevski (188 cm), Riste Stefanov (199 cm).

Forwards: Pero Antič (210 cm), Georgi Chekovski (202 cm), Damjan Stojanovsk (197 cm). Centers: Todor Gechevski (209 cm), Predrag Samardziski (214 cm), Kiril Nikolovski (210 cm), Zlatko Gochevski (206 cm).

Macedonia men’s national basketball team debuted at the European Championships in 1999 and took 14th place. Their highest achievement is 9th place in 2009. Head coach: Marin Dokuzovski.

Todor Gechevski

is the oldest player in the Macedonian team.

Montenegro Montenegro men’s national basketball team will participate in the European Championships for the first time.

Head coach, Dejan Radonjič commented: “Our group is interesting and all the teams in our group have ambitions. We want to get into the next round and we have all the possibilities to do so.”

Team leaders: Montenegro

Nikola Pekovič, Goran Jeretin, Nikola Vučevič.

NBA players: Montenegro

Nikola Pekovič (Minnesota Timberwolves), Nikola Vučevič (Philadelphia 76ers).

Candidates to Montenegro basketball team

Guards: Omar Cook (186 cm), Goran Jeretin (190 cm), Vladimir Mihailovič (193 cm), Sead Šehovič (195 cm), Suad Šehovič (197 cm), Boris Bakič (193 cm), Bojan Bakič (196 cm). Forwards: Vlado Ščepanovič (198 cm), Vladimir Dašič (208 cm), Miloš Borisov (201 cm), Milko Bjelica (205 cm), Nikola Vučevič (207 cm). Centers: Vladimir Dragičevič (206 cm), Nikola Pekovič (211 cm), Slavko Vraneš (230 cm), Vladimir Golubovič (211 cm).

■■ Nikola Pekovič (with the ball). Reuters photo.

basketball lithuania 2011

“Tulpės“sanatorium is the first sanatorium established in Birštonas having long-lasting traditions of healing with mineral water and peat mud. “Tulpės“ sanatorium is located beside a loop of the river Nemunas and all healing houses are located in the most beautiful place of Birštonas – in the old city park, on the bank of the river Nemunas. Sanatorium suggests a wide range of services: • Sanatorium healing programmes; • Programmes for weekend; • Wellness and healing procedures with mineral water and healing mud; • SPA therapy procedures package; • Swimming pool and bath package.

Public institution “Tulpės” sanatorium B.Sruogos str. 4, LT-59541, Birštonas, Lithuania Reception: Tel. +370 319 65525 Treatment house: Tel. +370 319 61336 Tel./Fax: +370 319 65520 E-mail: santulpe@mail.lt www.tulpe.lt

If you want to recreate, relax after stressful work, we kindly invite you for treatment and recreation in AB Birštonas sanatorium “Versmė”. Modern technologies, modern medical equipment are used here. There are excellent conditions to live, have your setout meals and get the major healing procedures under one roof. In treatment and health procedures priority is given to natural curative factors, curative mud and mineral water. Sanatorium “Versmė” provides its clients with a lot of unique services: healing with mineral water and curative mud, wellness and beauty services. • There is a mineral water swimming pool with underwater currents and cascades massage, Jacuzzi, vertical stretch and with four types of baths;  Underwater, classical and honey massages; •  Bubble, carbon-dioxide • and mineral water baths;  Four-chamber baths. • Constantly returning clients is the best recommendation to us.

You are welcome in sanatorium “Versme“. Our address: B. Sruogos str. 9, Birštonas Reception: Tel. +370 319 65673 For more information visit our site www.versme.com

Alg

Turistų str.

Excitement, friends, fun…

Pušyno

pa th

. str

i ioj Tyl

sio

o ird

Po il

. str

ss tr.

os st Šlait

os tr.

tr. os

uči

r. S. Da r

iau

tr. jaus s

Muzie

rS .G i

uno

us str.

rė n

Vilnia

Kran to st

Nem

os tr.

tr. io s

Kria

ušių

str.

B.S ru

ų str.

ogo

s st

vana v r. ių st Svar ain

ų str. Slyv

N.Sil

tr. ss

Nemu

no str.

str .

tr. ųs

šų

Pri

Jau

Verk n

Gojaus str.

ės s tr.

Pušų s tr. Nemunas

nim

Biršon

o str.

Gojaus st

no st r.

str.

Petražolių str .

str.

enų Pri

Jazminų

str.

inų s tr.

Biršo

Jazm

rio

Kimb

irų st

os tr.

asa Pav

Time to recharge your batteries in Birštonas! For 165 years, Birštonas has been a resort of sports and cherished cultural traditions. The best-known Lithuanian spring “Vytautas” – rich with essential minerals – gushes here and you can enjoy it for free. Mineral water pools, professional masseurs and air enriched with natural phytoncides will help to refresh both sports professionals and fans. Birštonas – touches Your heart. Naturally… Get the hottest news about the resort on the website www.visitbirstonas.lt Birštonas Tourism Information Centre Jaunimo Str 3, Birštonas Tel. +370 319 65 740 E-mail: info@visitbirstonas.lt www.visitbirstonas.lt

nė

Are you tired?

rk Ve

Agra stų s t

Avie č

ių st

ičiau

s str.

Astr

str.

Birutės st

up usk

str.

io str.

č Kęstu

Tulpių

s st

Vytauto

tr. nto s

a Vaižg

Nemunas

st Kę

Turistų str.

lijų Le

ok yk

. str

ogo

Alg

Jaunimo str.

B.S ru

os tr.

str.

Žvėrinči au

s str.

ird

nų

ie Pr

. str

str.

dos

Lip

ių

str ųs . tr.

liūn

str.

ltin

Biru tės str. Dab into s st r.

str.

Mai

ron io

ų str.

Sodų str.

nto s st r.

Ricieli

Dab i Miz arų

str.

T.Kos ciušk os str.

Mizarų

Ša

Mil

Žalioji str.

Kaln

ų st

Salos str.

str.

Klonio str.

. str. nų my Kai str. ito Šla

tr. ųs

r. Aušros st

Laisv ės sq

str.

d So

us nia irk os

str .

Vil

str.

Ku d

stų

Nem

str .

i Tur

Druskininkai is a yearround international resort offering mineral bath, mud and climate therapies.

Baltašiškės str.

al.

os tr. kū b

Šv .Jo

Ant aka

lnio

Vyjūnėlės

rg o

una

str .

I.F on

Druskonis

K.Di

uso

tr. ji s

io Žal

Ra tn yč ia

ji s tr.

Druskininkų str.

Gardino str.

V.K

mei

rė vė s

str .

kos str.

Ku d

irk os

Kurorto str. Vytauto str.

Vytauto str.

tr. ss

iro

L.G

Birštono str. P.Cvirkos str. Dzūkų str.

tr. kų s avy Bar

str.

Alkos

Pyli

tr. ųs iūn Mič str. nių vilo Rad

tr. ės s

a Pak

Druskininkai – Wellness Springs Resort

tr. ųs

iej

is Ve

Mineral waters of different mineralization, similar to the wellknown European mineral waters, and cure mud are found in the resort. Nature also endowed Druskininkai with mild climate, many lakes and beautiful parks and groves, where the guests can find their peace. Declared the small town in 1794, Druskininkai has rapidly grown into an attractive tourist center offering all the benefits of a carefree and safe vacation. Druskininkai offers a wide variety of health treatment services: herbal, bubble, honey and other baths, massages, krio- and magnet therapy, various health care, beauty and weight loss packages, etc. Here are several worth-seeing sights: soviet sculptures museum “Gruto parkas”, woodcarvers’ tr. parks, s s etc. Visit the only winter inė n o Ligentertainment complex with indoor and outdoor skiing slopes in the Baltic countries or one of the largest Aqua Parks in Europe. Enjoy a wide range of leisure facilities: bicycle and pedestrian paths, water tourism by canoes, kayaks, pedaloes and a steamboat, lawn tennis, croquet, bowling and billiard, fishing and archery… Welcome to Druskininkai! http://info.druskininkai.lt

basketball lithuania 2011

group

■■ New sports arena in Klaipeda opened its doors a few weeks ago. Vytautas Liaudanskis photo.

Klaipeda Arena Jurgis Švedas

Klaipeda city has acquired new catamaran-shaped arena. Such an architectural solution has been chosen because Klaipeda is Lithuania’s only seaport. Arena contains 8 fast-food bars, 4 bars, a club bar and a restaurant. The seaport arena is equipped with 29 VIP suites, 4 group suites, and 2 conference rooms. The first floor is reserved for

various commercial activities. The new centre for sports and cultural events in Klaipeda opened its doors on the night of “Sea Festival”, 28 July. Culmination of the opening night was the concert of the British rock band, Smokie with Symphony Orchestra. It is estimated that throughout the year, no less than 60 events will take place in the arena. Almost half of the planned events will be performances of foreign artists; a little more than a third will be sport events and the rest will be covered by the local performers and the events of Klaipeda local authorities. Universal

arena, depending on the type of event can contain 1.8-7 thousand spectators. On 4 August, the first friendly basketball match was played between Lithuania and Slovenia men’s team.

thousand basketball fans can watch games in this arena.

Additional information in numbers: ■■Construction Cost: 54.7 mil. litas ■■Number of Seats: 6000 ■■Area: 22891 m² ■■Height: 20 meters ■■Architects: JSC „Miestprojektas”, JSC „Forma”, Saulius Mikštas ■■Address: Dubysos Str 10, Klaipeda ■■Opened: July 2011

. str

Pili

str.

ji to kš Au

str.

limo

. str tų

Til

. str us a rg Tu

t elių s

io Py

. str ių

Sukil

Galin

tr. ss in nt siu Pa

Da nė

ss tr.

tr. ss

str. Uosto

. str

Še Nemuno

str.

s str.

tr. io s laič one

str.

tr. nto s u ka im S.Š . str

. str

Naujoji

tr. os p Ke

r. r. s st Jūro

ų kšt

žių

. str sto Uo

ės yn ilt Sm

Smiltynė

K .D

roso J.Ka

ės

H.Ma

in on Lig

. str to an I.K

. str to os ji U ujo

str.

Baltic Sea

. str

str. ko

ojų iot

Ta vų Pie

Šaulių str.

r. to st kan

dž Me Na

s nė

ilty Sm

s st nė Da

m To . str ių tr. rp Ku . no s str Jo ų j ė

str .

pų

str. Lie

io dž Di

ejų Žv

str. to au Vyt

d an ji V

. str

žv Ma

a S.D str . ino

Jū

ro s

str. ydo

. str to an k u rve

u S.Da ųs tr.

rki

J.Z a

Vilties str.

Butk

kų Juzės st

Kle

. str

M tr. ųs

išk ės

ių str. B a rš k

Joniškės str.

Mokyklos str.

ikos

ny č

ka ln

str .

nų

str.

ky k

los

tr. tr. jų s ių s ing v t o J str. sų Kap

str .

dė Au

Kū li

s st

cijo

tr. ių s

š Tel

ių

lti

str.

uo Ag

Tr i

a per Koo

. str

. str gų

Glu

ėjų

p Ver

ių str.

ųV art

Butsarg

ųs tr.

Til

žės

tr. ės s pišk

Rum

Sausio

str. -oji ių 1 n a r. Rag ji st 2-o ų i n a Rag

. str tų ne Re . str r. kų tr. vy ų st na ičių s Kraži Za a kšt Au str. aičių Žem

ų sni

r. s st iškė Jon

nė

a-Da

en Akm

r. s st

škė

i Jon

str. s Tylo

n Tech

Raganių 4-oj i str.

str.

nė Da

str .

Lie

ulė

ss tr.

jo to

y ok

ulė tek io

str.

. str

Rū ko str .

o oči est

tr. io s ap Tril

s klo

Pri

ind uli os tr.

str .

Tilžės str.

str. Tilžės

s str.

15-osio

tr. ės s pišk

Rum nos

o Taik

Ko iaus

str. Šilu

. ų str

str.

s st

yž Par

tės

Bijūn

tr. ųs

ėli

str.

. str

o un

str. tės

Biru r.

erm

ų st

gin Jur

ų Rūt

tr. ųs

ėli

d an

nių

ukš

str.

ų Rūt

Šil

i Tulp

tr. ss utė

ų st

Alyv

i štuč Lak

str.

tr. os

lių

ė nd

. str

ų st

i štuč Lak

s st

str.

o Taik

sų Kuo

. ų str

Gėli

ko str. ijos str.

učių

Geg

Min

Žuvedrų Ta

sos Duby

str.

tr. ss

str.

luo Ag

r. s st

tijo

Bal

Šilu str. tės

r. os st ubys

s st

iau

Viln

basketball lithuania 2011

Ukraine Ukraine men’s national basketball team debuted at the European Championships in 1997 and took 13th place. Head coach Mike Fratello (ex-coach of Atlanta Hawks, Cleveland Cavaliers, Memphis Grizzlies) stated that, “Ukrainian team is perspective because of its nucleus of young players. I think that we are able to overcome the first stage of the championship.”

Team leaders: Ukraine

Kiril Fesenko, Oleksiy Pecherov, Artur Drozdov, Sergei Lischuk.

NBA players: Ukraine

Kiril Fesenko (Utah Jazz).

Candidates to Ukraine national basketball team

■■ Sergei Lischuk (with the ball). AFP photo.

Guards: Dmitro Zabirchenko (190 cm), Denis Lukashov (187 cm), Aleksandr Lipovy (194 cm), Nikolai Vylkhovetsky (186 cm), Aleksandr Kolchenko (193 cm). Forwards: Maksim Pustozvonov (201cm), Daniil Kozlov (207 cm), Konstantin Glazyrin (201 cm), Maksim Kornienko (206

cm), Andrei Agafonov (207 cm), Sergei Lischuk (210 cm), Artur Drozdov (199 cm), Oleg Saltovets (202 cm). Centers: NIgor Zaitsev (210 cm), Oleksiy Pecherov (213 cm), Kiril Fesenko (215 cm), Kiril Natyazhko (210 cm), Viacheslav Kravtsov (212 cm).

basketball lithuania 2011

■■ Kaloyan Ivanov (with the ball). Getty photo.

Bulgaria men’s national basketball team won silver medals in

Bulgaria Bulgaria men’s national basketball team debuted at the European Championships in 1935 and took 8th place. They won silver medals in 1957 and bronze medals in 1961. Head coach: Rosen Barchovski.

Candidates to Bulgaria national basketball team

Guards: Chavdar Kostov (196 cm), Zlatan Georgiev (195 cm), Tichomir Zhelev (192 cm), Aleksandr Gruiev (187 cm), Bozhidar Avramov (196 cm), Asen Velikov (188 cm), Plamen Alekseiev (180 cm), Earl Rowland (188 cm), Pavel Marinov (197 cm).

Forwards: Filip Videnov (196 cm), Ivan Lilov (196 cm), Dejan Ivanov (205 cm), Kaloyan Ivanov (205 cm), Stanislav Vaklinov (206 cm), Aleksandr Yanev (203 cm). Centers: Nikolay Varbanov (209 cm), Tencho Banev (209 cm), Cedric Simmons (206 cm).

1957 Team leaders: Bulgaria

Filip Videnov, Kaloyan Ivanov, Dejan Ivanov.

basketball lithuania 2011

■■ Jaka Lakovič (with the ball). AFP photo.

Team leaders:

NBA players:

Slovenia

Erazem Lorbek, Jaka Lakovič, Matjaz Smodiš, Goran Dragič.

Goran Dragič (Houston Rockets).

Slovenia Slovenia men’s national basketball team debuted at the European Championships in 1993 and took 14th place.

Candidates to Slovenia national basketball team

Guards: Jaka Lakovič (186 cm), Goran Dragič (194 cm), Sašo Ozbolt (191 cm), Samo Udrih (195 cm), Zoran Dragič (196 cm), Klemen Prepelič (188 cm). Forwards: Luka Lapornik (195

cm), Goran Jagodnik (203 cm), Edo Murič (201 cm), Matjaz Smodiš (205 cm), Erazem Lorbek (210 cm), Miha Zupan (205 cm). Centers: Uroš Slokar (210 cm), Mirza Begič (220 cm).

The team’s highest achievement is 4th place in 2009 Eurobasket. Head coach Božidar Maljković stated: “Over the past six years, the Slovenian national team has been very close to winning

medals. We are definitely not going to take a step backwards, but only move forwards.”

The tallest player in Slovenian team is Mirza Begic,

220

cm height.

basketball lithuania 2011

Georgia Georgia men’s basketball team will debut at the European Championship this year.

Head coach Igor Kokoskov commented, “We will try to get among four strongest teams in our group and fight to be in the next round.”

Team leaders: Georgia

Zaza Pachulia, Taurean Green, Vladimir Boisa, Tornike Schengelia.

NBA players: Georgia

Zaza Pachulia (Atlanta Hawks).

Candidates to Georgia basketball team

Guards: Anatoli Boisa (192 cm), Giorgi Gamgrelidze (185 cm), Giorgi Tsintsadze (192 cm), Marquez Haynes (188 cm), Taurean Green (184 cm), Konstantin Tugushi (193 cm), Manuchar Markoishvili (196 cm), Lasha Pargalava (192 cm). Forwards: Michail Berishvili (203 cm), Levan Patsatsia (198 cm), Vladimir Boisa (209 m), Nikoloz Tskitishvili (213 cm), Tornike Shengelia (205 cm), Victor Sanikidze (203 cm). Centers: Nika Metreveli (211 cm), Zaza Pachulia (211 cm), Giorgi Shermadini (216 cm), Giorgi Sharabidze (210 cm).

■■ Zaza Pachulia (in the left). AFP photo.

basketball lithuania 2011

Belgium Belgium men’s national basketball team debuted at the European Championships in 1935 and took 6th place. Their highest achievement is 4th place in 1947. Head coach: Eddy Casteels.

Team leaders: Belgium

Roel Moors, Sam Van Rossom, Axel Hervelle, Tomas van den Spiegel.

NBA players: Belgium

Didier Ilunga-Mbenga (New Orleans Hornets).

4th place

is The highest achievement of Belgium men’s national basketball team.

Candidates to Belgium national basketball team

■■ Axel Hervelle (with the ball). AFP photo.

Guards: Jorn Steinbach (181 cm), Jonathan Tabu (190 cm), Roel Moors (190 cm), Sam Van Rossom (188 cm), Dimitri Lauwers (187 cm), Marcus Faison (196 cm), Guy Muya (190 cm). Forwards: Jean-Marc Mwema

(195 cm) Christophe Beghin (207 cm), Axel Hervelle (205 cm), Randy Oveneke (201 cm). Centers: Maxime De Zeeuw (205 cm), D.J.Mbenga (214 cm), Tomas van den Spiegel (214 cm).

basketball lithuania 2011

■■ Andrei Kirilenko (in the left). Reuters photo.

Russia Russia men’s basketball team debuted at the European Championships in 1993 and won silver medals. Their highest achievement is gold medals won in 2007. In 2009 European Championship, Russia won 7th place. Russian men’s basketball team also won bronze medals in 1997 European Champions-

hips and silver medals in 1994 and 1998 World Championships. Head coach David Blatt stated: “We have raised top goals for ourselves in this Championship. The team is capable of achieving them. Our team is perfect combination of both experienced and young players. The most important thing is for the team to believe in themselves.”

Team leaders:

NBA players:

Russia

Andrei Kirilenko, Vitaly Fridzon, Sergei Bykov, Sergei Monya.

Andrei Kirilenko (Utah Jazz), Timofey Mozgov (Denver Nuggets).

Candidates to Russia national basketball team

Guards: Sergei Bykov (190 cm), Evgeny Voronov (194 cm), Anton Ponkrashov (200 cm), Vitaly Fridzon (195 cm), Alexey Shved (198 cm), Victor Keyru (198 cm), Dmitri Khvostov (196 cm), Alexey Zozulin (199 cm).

Forwards: Andrei Vorontsevich (207 cm), Sergei Monya (205 cm), Victor Khryapa (206 cm), Andrei Kirilenko (206 cm), Semion Antonov (202 cm). Center: Timofey Mozgov (216 cm).

basketball lithuania 2011 Hungary, Finland and Portugal will play in the Eurobasket 2011 Qualifications which will take place from 9 August to 24 August, 2011. Two out of three teams will play in the European Championship, 1st team in group C and 2nd in group A.

Hungary Hungary men’s national basketball team debuted at the European Championships in 1935 and took 9th place.

Their highest achievement is gold medals won in 1955. In 1953, Hungary took second place and in 1946 won bronze medals. Head coach: Lajos Meszaros.

Team leaders: Hungary

Obadiah Trotter, Adam Hanga, Péter Lórant, Akos Horvath, Marton Fodor, David Vojvoda.

NBA players: Hungary

Adam Hanga (San Antonio Spurs).

Finland Finland men’s national basketball team debuted at the European Championships in 1939 and took 8th place.

Their highest achievement is 6th place in 1967 European Championship. Head coach Henrik Dettmann said: “We have a team whose members have been playing together for many years. This is our team’s strength. I believe that we can

Candidates

to Hungary national basketball team

to Finland national basketball team

Guards: Marton Fodor (ūgis 192 cm), Akos Horvath (192 cm), David Vojvoda (194 cm), Krisztian Wittmann (184 cm), Adam Hanga (200 cm), Andras Molnar (194 cm), Obadiah Trotter (185 cm). Forwards: Peter Loran (206

cm), Gabor Soos (200 cm), Gergely Toth (208 cm), Akos Keller (208 cm), Zsolt Andras Szabo (208 cm). Centers: Zoltan Trepak (210 cm), Marton Bader (210 cm), Adam Toth (208 cm).

Guards: Samuel Haanpää (ūgis 203 cm), Tuomas Iisalo (195 cm), Antti Kanervo (192 cm), Mikko Koivisto (194 cm), Petteri Koponen (194 cm), Teemu Rannikko (189 cm), Sasu Salin (190 cm), Petri Virtanen (183 cm).

win the tickets to the European Championship in Lithuania. This would be a great help to our players and a big leap for the country’s basketball.”

Team leaders: Finland

Teemu Rannikko, Sasu Salin, Tuukka Kotti, Vesa Mäkäläinen, Hanno Möttölä.

Forwards: Petri Heinonen (207 cm), Shawn Huff (198 cm), Tuukka Kotti (205 cm), Kimmo Muurinen (202 cm), Vesa Mäkäläinen (200 cm), Hanno Möttölä (209 cm). Centers: NGerlad Lee (208 cm), Antti Nikkilä (210 cm).

Portugal Portugal men’s national basketball team debuted at the European Championships in 1951 and ranked 15th.

Team leaders: Portugal

Heshimu Evans, Miguel Miranda, Carlos Andrade, Joao Santos, Miguel Minhava.

Their highest achievement was 9th place in 2007. Head coach Mario Palma commented: “Portuguese basketball level has risen significantly in recent years. More promising players appeared in the country and we gathered a professional basketball league. We have a really promising team. I believe that this ambitious and talented generation of players will be able to get to the European Championship.”

■■ Miguel Miranda (No. 14). Reuters photo.

Candidates to Portugal national basketball team

Guards: Tomas Barroso (180 cm), Diogo Carreira (180 cm), Jose Costa (188 cm), Filipe da Silva (193 cm), Miguel Minhava (198 cm), Joao Reveles (184 cm), António Tavares (184 cm). Forwards: Carlos Andrade (198 cm), Jorge Coelho (200 cm), Nuno Cortez (205 cm), Paulo Cunha (200

cm), André Pinto (200 cm), Joao Santos (204 cm), José Silva (194 cm), Fernando Sousa (192 cm), Heshimu Evans (198 cm). Centers: Paulo Diamantino (203 cm), Elvis Evora (205 cm), Claudio Fonseca (206 cm), Marco Goncalves (206 cm), Miguel Miranda (205 cm).

basketball lithuania 2011

second round

■■ Seven years ago, new sports arena opened its doors in the capital of Lithuania. Mindaugas Ažušilis photo.

Vilnius Arena Jurgis Švedas

The first internationallevel matching arena in Lithuania opened its doors in Vilnius. It was built in the capital’s area of entertainment, where a water park and several shopping malls are located. Arena’s technical solutions are worth mentioning. Vilnius arena floor can support the weight of 50 tons or about two thousand cubic meters of water, me-

aning that the arena can be used for windsurfing competitions which require 80 cm depth. The ice for competitions can be prepared in a day’s time. The arena roof structures can support 100 tons weighing concert equipment. Arena has 21 restaurants and cafes. The largest restaurant can serve 250 people. Last year, the U-18 European Basketball Championship was held where the young Lithuanian basketball players won the gold medals. According to the official FIBA statistics, the match was watched by 12 thousand viewers,

much more than during the usual basketball match. Arena is home for Euroleague games, other sports’ competitions, and concerts of the world’s most famous musicians.

thousand

basketball fans can watch games in this arena.

Additional information in numbers: ■■Construction Cost: 67.4 mil. litas ■■Number of Seats: around 10 000 ■■Area: 20 000 m² ■■Height: 29 meters ■■Architects: „Jungtinės Architektų Dirbtuvės”, Stalium

Consultants International ■■Opened: 30 October, 2004 ■■Address: Ozo Str 14, Vilnius

A.Gošta

ukšnių

ino av e.

J.Jasin

skio str .

Beatrič ės str.

J.Lelev elio str .

Aukų str.

Dai nav os s tr.

Liubart o str.

A.Vienu

str.

išk Luk

Vilniaus str.

Šerm

Gedim

str.

Vytauto str.

Liubarto

str.

q. ių s

J.Tu mo

str. Karaimų

r. Vykinto st

Lukišk ių

str.

-Vaiž gan to

A.Mickevičiaus

J.Savicko str.

A.Jak što str.

žių

Kra

olio str.

uto str .

str.

Pamėnk a

lnio str. ėn

ka ln

A.S

me ton

str .

V.K u

dir

kos str.

Vilniaus str.

Pa m

Jogailo s str.

s st

lnė

a Pak

ri Ne

Tauro str.

a ak ier

Z.S

Akmenų str.

V.Mykolaičio-Putino str.

V.Kudirkos str.

tr. os usk

Suvalkų str.

Geležinio Vilko str.

Isla

s sq P.Cvirko

ss tr.

. Palangos str

o str. K.Kalinausk

M.K.Čiurlionio str.

ijo

sq.

Reformatų

Raseinių st

s str. P.Skorino

san J.Ba

J.Bas a

navič

str.

ės str.

tr. nkos s

Muitin

str . io vu lsk

tr. ųs

gri

Vin

o str.

. ilos str

. str

str.

. ugo str

Algird

a Švitrig

rių

no va Sa

iaus

Minda

lskio

A.Vivu

tr. os

rsk

o S.K

tr. us s

ia avič

Beržyno str.

Nočios str.

e T.Ševč

tr. os uk

rd ga

A. Vi

ų Aguon

str.

Šaltinių

23-ios

. str

str.

io Vyten

o Birželi

str.

. ios str str.

os str.

. str

Kauno

str.

no str.

. str

. str ko u ard

500m

ail Švitrig

atų

tr. nsko s Smole

s itė ma Že

100m

ininkų

Statyb

. o str

Kaun

olės

jamp

Mari

str.

Puns

ko st r.

Šv.Ste po

ų dr

Žy gim

an tų

Rinktin ės str.

Žv ejų

str .

r. ų st

ieči

p Olim str .

kos

iuš osc T.K

Til

to str .

Neris

Ol a

str.

ų nd

Arsenalo

str.

Totorių str.

T.Vr ub

Tilto

l os a kirp

lev skio str.

K .Š

sq.

str.

Gedim

ino a ve.

ės st vilait

gio str.

to str . ų

on nik

Šva rco st

Ma tr. io s

str.

Krivūlė

s str.

q. šės s Rot u

inių

Etm

str.

str. str.

str.

. str

Varšuvo s

str . so s

ų Sukilėli

str .

. str

aln pk

Pe le

. str

ės

str.

ų Ras

r. Naručio st

lių

Lie

str.

rge Tu

s tie

Sto

Alk ūn

str.

ių

bės

Balstogės

Klėvos str.

Ram y

o str. inkeli Gelež

Švenčionių st r.

uč

Pelesos str.

Gervėčių str.

ud Sk

str.

tr. ųs

Lap

imo

Sod ų st

r. s st

ųs tr.

str. Dru

Pyl Seinų str.

str.

dži

str .

Gėlių str.

str.

ėlio

Bazilijonų str.

jos

sų Ra

yk los

str.

V.Šop

eno s tr.

Dru

g ana K.V

r. jų st

Ra ug

šos M.Dauk

Šv.D va

-K ru

sios

tr. ųs

tų šven

is tr.

Subačiaus str.

Ba lan

ioj

us str.

Vitebsko

m ar

Subačia

str.

. str itų

Visų

ųs tr.

nio

onų str.

t Var

ač

iro

str.

os tr.

iaus Subač s šro Au

lim

Mės

str.

nės

Paipio str.

Kūdrų str.

str.

ulių Šia

oni

Polocko str.

. str to n a Kr

iron

str.

Lig

str.

Aukštaičių str.

Augustijonų

nų

ško

o Lyd

ųs tr.

asis

Užupio str.

str.

eči

Balt

. str

u Už

kš to str .

nci

Pra

Vok i

pio

t ko s Lata

Bo r.

tr. ss

ifaco st r.

ų Žyd

no Bon

. str

i om

. ų str Trak

Šv.Bru no

skio

Vitebsko st

Šv. Ig

ų str.

ktin

edi

P.Višin

ivi

nto st

uka

ųs tr.

Maironio str.

Pilies str.

S.D a

Šv.Mykol o str.

Ben

nia

A.Volano str.

Gu kos tuo L .S

los str.

Liejyk

r. ų st

Vil

tr. os tet rsi ive

cev ičia u

d B.Ra

ra Šventa

ss tr.

Odminių str.

Mielagėn

kos

ir ud V.K

str.

basketball lithuania 2011

The Championship of for businesses The organizers of Lithuania Eurobasket 2011 invite businesses to use their opportunities. Companies are encouraged to profit from the visitors by getting their attention.

basketball lithuania 2011

fers opportunities Comment: by Igoris Baikovskis JSC “Čili Holdings” CEO

A place for advertising

In September, 24 strongest men’s national basketball teams will compete in six Lithuanian cities. This Championship is a large investment of Lithuania and is expected to have a profitable

return. It is believed that many basketball fans from all over Europe will come to Lithuania. In addition to basketball games, they will certainly use a variety of other services and will search for places where they can spend their free time. Eurobasket 2011 organizers are offering a special opportunity for businesses to contribute to the Championship. This is Eurobasket 2011 Friend Program. Its goal is to inform the guests of attractions, leisure clubs and other public services available in all the cities, where the basketball games will be held. The information will be published on the official tournament’s websites: www. eurobasket2011.com and www. fanspace2011.com. The organizers of Eurobasket 2011 seek to represent Lithuania as a country where the newest technologies are highly developed. With this project, they also want to show visitors that Lithuanians are easy-going and hospitable people. Therefore, it is expected that companies will use the opportunities to introduce themselves to wider audiences.

Sticker – satisfaction guarantee

Fans coming to Lithuanian hosted Eurobasket 2011 will be invited to various places marked with special stickers. Service businesses joined the basketball fever and became a significant part of Eurobasket 2011. Many bars, cafes, bowling alleys, night clubs

I am pleased that the organizing committee of Eurobasket 2011 does not forget to provide excellent opportunity for businesses to appear visible during such scale sporting event. On the other hand, Eurobasket 2011 Friend Program is a good reference for those coming from abroad. The special branding of its participants will help to know where customers can see live broadcasts and expect friendly and quality service. It is a kind of qualification sign and that is why we wanted to become a part of this program.

and pubs used the opportunity to decorate their doors with the official championship flag and sticker and advertise their businesses on the official championship websites.

Fans coming to Lithuanian hosted Eurobasket 2011 will be invited to various places marked with special stickers.

“We want to involve small and medium-sized businesses in the tournament,” claimed Mr. Alesinas. “Lithuania will have about 200 places marked with spe-

We are the largest restaurant chain in Lithuania, so it is natural that a lot of fans will visit us. Our restaurants operate in all the six cities, where the games will be played. “Čili” restaurants have already secured the opportunity to broadcast the country’s most important sporting event in history. We will have a lot to offer for our customers after their time in arena. Together with our partners we will organize a variety of games and lotteries. We will try to impress our visitors, maintain the spirit of the tournament and create a friendly atmosphere for basketball fans and foreign guests.

cial friendly stickers. This means that staff in such places are able to communicate not only in the Lithuanian language and that their customers can always watch basketball games live,” said Mr. Alesinas. “We have received applications from businesses of all the six cities, where the championship games will be played,” said Mr. Alesinas. Marketing Program Manager of Eurobasket 2011 told us that one of the major networks in the Lithuanian service industry has created an opportunity to use wireless Internet connection in its premises especially for this matter. One of the main criteria in order to be granted a special status is accessible wireless Internet connection. Another important condition is customer service and security. “I think that businessmen are interested in maintaining their good name and there will not be cases when we have to cancel our partnership,” stated Mr. Alesinas.

basketball lithuania 2011

Eurobasket History: T European Basketball Championship's Prizewinners Year

1935 1937 1939 1946 1947 1949 1951 1953 1955 1957 1959 1961 1963 1965 1967 1969 1971 1973 1975 1977 1979 1981 1983 1985 1987 1989 1991 1993 1995 1997 1999 2001 2003 2005 2007 2009 2011

Host (Finalphase/finalgame)

Gold

Silver

Bronze

Switzerland (Geneva) Latvia (Riga) Lithuania (Kaunas) Switzerland (Geneva) Czechoslovakia(Prague) Egypt (Cairo) France (Paris) SovietUnion (Moscow) Hungary (Budapest) Bulgaria (Sofia) Turkey (Istanbul) Yugoslavia (Belgrade) Poland (WrocĹ&#x201A;aw) SovietUnion(Moscow) Finland (Helsinki) Italy (Naples) WestGermany(Essen) Spain (Barcelona) Yugoslavia (Belgrade) Belgium (LiĂ¨ge) Italy (Turin) Czechoslovakia(Prague) France (Nantes) WestGermany(Stuttgart) Greece (Athens) Yugoslavia (Zagreb) Italy (Rome) Germany (Munich) Greece (Athens) Spain (Barcelona) France (Paris) Turkey (Istanbul) Sweden (Stockholm) SerbiaandMontenegro (Belgrade) Spain (Madrid) Poland (Katowice) Lithuania (Kaunas)

Latvia Lithuania Lithuania Czechoslovakia Soviet Union Egypt Soviet Union Soviet Union Hungary Soviet Union Soviet Union Soviet Union Soviet Union Soviet Union Soviet Union Soviet Union Soviet Union Yugoslavia Yugoslavia Yugoslavia Soviet Union Soviet Union Italy Soviet Union Greece Yugoslavia Yugoslavia Germany Serbia and Montenegro Serbia and Montenegro Italy Serbia and Montenegro Lithuania Greece Russia Spain

Spain Italy Latvia Italy Czechoslovakia France Czechoslovakia Hungary Czechoslovakia Bulgaria Czechoslovakia Yugoslavia Poland Yugoslavia Czechoslovakia Yugoslavia Yugoslavia Spain Soviet Union Soviet Union Israel Yugoslavia Spain Czechoslovakia Soviet Union Greece Italy Russia Lithuania Italy Spain Turkey Spain Germany Spain Serbia

Czechoslovakia France Poland Hungary Egypt Greece France France Soviet Union Czechoslovakia France Bulgaria Yugoslavia Poland Poland Czechoslovakia Italy SovietUnion Italy Czechoslovakia Yugoslavia Czechoslovakia Soviet Union Italy Yugoslavia Soviet Union Spain Croatia Croatia Russia Serbia and Montenegro Spain Italy France Lithuania Greece

Themedaltable Rank

1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11

Nation

Gold

Silver

Bronze

Total

Soviet Union Yugoslavia Lithuania Serbia* Italy Greece Czechoslovakia Spain Hungary Russia Latvia

14 5 3 3 2 2 1 1 1 1 1

3 5 1 1 4 1 6 6 1 1 1

4 3 1 1 4 2 5 2 1 1 0

21 13 5 5 10 5 12 9 3 3 2

Rank

12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19

Nation

Germany Egypt France Poland Bulgaria Turkey Israel Croatia

Gold

Silver

Bronze

Total

1 1 0 0 0 0 0 0

1 0 1 1 1 1 1 0

0 1 5 3 1 0 0 2

2 2 6 4 2 1 1 2

The Republic of Serbia is the legal successor of the Serbia and Montenegro/FR Yugoslaviateam. The non-existent countries are marked in Italics.

basketball lithuania 2011

op Teams and Players TopScorers

MVP Year

1935 1937 1939 1946 1947 1949 1951 1953 1955 1957 1959 1961 1963 1965 1967 1969 1971 1973 1975 1977 1979 1981 1983 1985 1987 1989 1991 1993 1995 1997 1999 2001 2003 2005 2007 2009 2011

MVP

Rafael Martín (Spain) Pranas Lubinas (Lithuania) Mykolas Ruzgys (Lithuania) Ferenc Nemeth (Hungary) Joann Lõssov (Soviet Union) Hüseyin Öztürk (Turkey) Ivan Mrázek (Czechoslovakia) Anatoly Konev (Soviet Union) János Greminger (Hungary) Jiří Baumruk (Czechoslovakia) Viktor Zubkov (Soviet Union) Radivoj Korać (Yugoslavia) Emiliano Rodríguez (Spain) Modestas Paulauskas (Soviet Union) Jiří Zedníček (Czechoslovakia) Sergei Belov (Soviet Union) Krešimir Ćosić (Yugoslavia) Wayne Brabender (Spain) Krešimir Ćosić (Yugoslavia) Dražen Dalipagić (Yugoslavia) Mickey Berkowitz (Israel) Valdis Valters (Soviet Union) Juan Antonio Corbalán (Spain) Arvydas Sabonis (Soviet Union) Nikos Galis (Greece) Dražen Petrović (Yugoslavia) Toni Kukoč (Yugoslavia) Christian Welp (Germany) Šarūnas Marčiulionis (Lithuania) Aleksandar Djordjevic (Yugoslavia) Gregor Fučka (Italy) Predrag Stojaković (Yugoslavia) Šarūnas Jasikevičius (Lithuania) Dirk Nowitzki (Germany) Andrei Kirilenko (Russia) Pau Gasol (Spain)

Year

1935 1937 1939 1946 1947 1949 1951 1953 1955 1957 1959 1961 1963 1965 1967 1969 1971 1973 1975 1977 1979 1981 1983 1985 1987 1989 1991 1993 1995 1997 1999 2001 2003 2005 2007 2009 2011

TopScorer

points per game

Livio Franceschini (Italy) Pranas Lubinas (Lithuania) Heino Veskila (Estonia) Pawel Stok (Poland) Otar Korkia (Soviet Union) Hüseyin Öztürk (Turkey) Ivan Mrázek (Czechoslovakia) AhmedIdlibi (Lebanon) Miroslav Skerik (Czechoslovakia) Eddy Terrace (Belgium) Radivoj Korać (Yugoslavia) Radivoj Korać (Yugoslavia) Radivoj Korać (Yugoslavia) Radivoj Korać (Yugoslavia) Georgios Kolokithas (Greece) Georgios Kolokithas (Greece) Edward Jurkiewicz (Poland) Atanas Golomeev (Bulgaria) Atanas Golomeev (Bulgaria) Kees Akerboom, Sr. (Netherlands) Mieczyslaw Mlynarski (Poland) Mieczyslaw Mlynarski (Poland) Nikos Galis (Greece) Dražen Petrović (Yugoslavia) Nikos Galis (Greece) Nikos Galis (Greece) Nikos Galis (Greece) Sabahudin Bilalović (Bosnia and Herzegovina) Šarūnas Marčiulionis (Lithuania) Oded Katash (Israel) Alberto Herreros (Spain) Dirk Nowitzki (Germany) Pau Gasol (Spain) Dirk Nowitzki (Germany) Dirk Nowitzki (Germany) Pau Gasol (Spain)

16 13.8 16.5 12.6 14.7 19.3 17.1 15.8 19.1 22 27.5 24.3 26.5 21.6 26.2 22.6 22.5 21.7 23.1 26.4 26.4 23.1 33 25.2 37 35.6 32.4 25 22.5 22 19.2 28.7 25.8 26.1 24 18.8

■■ Triumph: last time the Lithuanian basketball team became European champions was in 2003 in Stockholm.

Evaldas Makarskas photo.

basketball lithuania 2011

Basketball is like Eight weeks before the European Championship, the Lithuanians began to bounce the ball for the project entitled “Bouncing for Lithuania”. The ball has traveled more than 60 towns and cities and beat almost 3 thousand kilometers. Evelina Žičkevičiūtė

It all started in Kaunas

In Kaunas, the capital of Lithuanian basketball, on 6 July, the ball started its bouncing trip all over the country. Campaign’s goal is to demonstrate that the Lithu-

anian basketball team consists not only of twelve players, but has a crowd of three million supporters. According to the project’s managers, from hand to hand transmitting the ball, the nation shows joy, pride and gratitude to the symbolic history of Lithuanian basketball. With the wishes of Lithuanian people, the ball was given to the national men’s basketball team right before the Championship began.

All together for Lithuania

Sun or rain, every day from early morning till late night, the parti-

cipants of the project did not allow the ball to stop and bounced it all over city streets and country roads. The participants consisted of various people such as children and older people. Among the participants was a mother of a 5 month child. While pushing her baby cart, she was bouncing the ball. In Kazlu Ruda, the ball was bounced by a pregnant military officer. “One for all and all for one! I am honored to bounce the ball at least a couple of kilometers for Lithuania. I wanted to participate here with all my heart and the impressions of the project will remain with me for the rest

■■ United we stand: The project’s goal is to show that the Lithuanian basketball team consists not only of twelve players, but has a crowd of three million supporters. Vytautas Liaudanskis photo.

basketball lithuania 2011

the Olympic torch of my life,” claimed enthusiastic Mindaugas Juskaitis from Marijampole, who bounced the ball from Vilkaviskis, while sitting in his wheelchair. Apart from bouncing the ball, Mindaugas also carried the flag, rolling about 8 kilometers in total.

Original scenarios

The ball was met especially originally in Vilkaviskis, where locals met the whole procession with huge American Cadillacs. The town’s “Lilies Children” team gave a symbol of town, a lily ring, symbolizing hope and kindness.

Residents of Kalvarija met tour participants with the national flags, sports team of thirty and specially decorated basketball. Vidas Blekaitis, a Lithuanian strongman from Birstonas, also participated in the march and bounced the ball, saying that he puts faith, inspiration and desire to play for Lithuania. Residents of Dzukija met the ball with the escort of bikers, ATVs and more than a kilometer string of cars. Near the borders of Dzukija, the ball was taken over by the police dog Amsis. The residents of Zemaitija were also active participants. By

controlling the ball, they created an unseen combination: the ball was met by crowds of locals, singing, dancing and supporting the Lithuanian basketball. Sigitas Beniusis, a point-guard from Klaipeda, was happy: “I could not believe seeing so many people! Our country is small, but we sure love it!” Despite the devastating heat, the ball was bounced by the soldiers from Pagegiai military base. They were carrying flags and displaying tricks, happy that their sweat was not wasted: “Our feet are sore, sweat is flowing, but we are happy to receive honorary certifi-

The participants of the project “Bouncing for Lithuania” have already covered

thousand kilometers.

basketball lithuania 2011

■■ Opening: On 6 July, in Kaunas, the Lithuanian capital of basketball, the unparalleled project “Bouncing for Lithuania” began. Tomas Ragina photo.

cates of point-guard. After bouncing the ball for 30 kilometers we will be stronger and our applause during the Lithuanian games will be heard even louder.”

Interesting situations

After a visit to Pilviskiai, the ball bouncing route slightly changed: the residents of a small town Gelgaudiskis contacted the organizers and pro-

mised to hold a fiesta if only the ball came to their town. The community of Gelgaudiskis met the ball with scooters escort. They believed that the feeling contained in the ball is able to give other people nobility of ancient wisdom, strategic thinking and high morale. “Wait a minute!” – shouted a mushroom picker straight out of woods, who also wanted to touch the ball. From Marcinko-

nys to Druskininkai, the ball was bounced on the forest roads. People living in farmhouses called the participants to join them and were singing new basketball anthem. The ball was also bounced by the holidaymakers in Lithuania and foreign guests. One met German said that he was pleasantly surprise how Lithuanians love their country and the game of basketball.

“In thick woods, we got into an uncomfortable situation because for a long time we did not find any gas station,” – commented Skirmantas, a participant of “Bouncing for Lithuania”. When their van stopped on a gravel road, the participants were concerned, but continued to bounce the ball without a supporting van. Without having a stop, they bounced the ball up to Silale.

rESTAurAnTS are ready for Eurobasket 2011 The Europe Basketball Championship that starts on the 31st August will bring together not only loyal fans, but it also makes a promise to ignite those who are less interested in sports events with the basketball fever. The biggest restaurants of „Čili“ chain are already living the passions of upcoming celebration, so that all basketball fans and restaurant guests are invited not only to observe matches comfortably in “Čili” restaurants, but also to enjoy a special basketball menu as well and participate in lotteries to win prizes – a variety of souvenirs and tickets to the final European Basketball Championship’s game, which will be held in Vilnius on the 18th of September. Basketball games will be broadcasted in all restaurants “Čili pica” and “Čili kaimas” where the screens are available for the convenience of the fans. We have equipped with the screens even some outdoors cafes, so that the more basketball fans could enjoy a universal sports celebration and find a place for them and their friends. Restaurants “Čili”, located in the most convenient places of Lithuanian cities, are expecting everybody: those who want to watch matches having cozy snacks as well as those who want to celebrate future victories merrily and actively, raising their mugs. Restaurants of “Čili” chain have presented a new “Fans menu” which flaunts new dishes, specially created for this extraordinary basketball celebration: special pizza “Ball” and special snacks selections titled “Three points”, “Foul” and “Combination” will

not leave even the most selective guests indifferent. We will welcome all guests and basketball fans smartened up, with smile and hearts burning with ardour, and funny tricolour wigs. The restaurants will be decorated with the Championship attributes so that foreign guests could very easily find a place for the most convenient watch of the matches. During the Championship, on the site http://krepsinis2011.cili.lt you can find the list of exact addresses of all restaurants of “Čili” chain, where everybody is anticipated to be rooting for the favourite team merrily and comfortably. The team of the restaurants chain “Čili” will try to impress our visitors and maintain the spirit of the Championship and a friendly atmosphere for our country and foreign guests. We are already ready for the basketball party!

In Vilnius:

In Klaipėda:

Restaurants ’’Čili pica“

Žirmūnų str. 64 (SC RIMI) Gedimino av. 23 Mindaugo str. 11 (SC MAXIMA) Didžioji str. 5 Fabijoniškių str. 2a (SC IKI) V. Šopeno str. 1 J. Jasinskio str. 16 (SC IKI) Savanorių av. 7 Konstitucijos av. 7a (SC EUROPA) Ateities str. 91 (SC MANDARINAS) Ukmergės str. 369 (SC BIG) Šeškinės str. 32 (SC IKI) Viršuliškių str. 42 (SC MADA) Saltoniškių str. 9 (SC PANORAMA) Gedimino av. 5

Taikos av. 28 (SC VETRUNGE) Taikos av. 139 (SC BIG) Taikos av. 61 (SC AKROPOLIS) Šilutės av. 35a (SC BANGINIS) H. Manto str. 31 (SC ZEMAITIJA) Liepų str. 2

Restaurants ’’Čili kaimas“

In Panevėžys

Žirmūnų str. 2 (SC IKI) Ukmergės str. 282 (SC MAXIMA) Vokiečių str. 8 Gedimino av. 14 Savanorių av. 1 (SC HELIOS CITY)

Restaurants ’’Čili pica“

In Kaunas:

Restaurants ’’Čili pica“

Restaurants ’’Čili kaimas“ H. Manto str. 11 In Palanga

Restaurants ’’Čili pica“ J. Basanavičiaus str. 45

Laisvės av. 5 Klaipėdos str. 92 (SC MAXIMA) Klaipėdos str. 143a (SC BABILONAS) In Utena

Restaurants ’’Čili pica“

Aušros str. 21 (SC AUSRA) Savanorių av. 346 (SC SAVAS) Baršausko str. 66a (SC MOLAS) In Alytus Islandijos str. 32 (SC MEGA) K. Mindaugo av. 49 (SC AKROPOLIS)

Restaurants ’’Čili kaimas“ Islandijos str. 32 (SC MEGA) K. Mindaugo av. 49 (SC AKROPOLIS) In Šiauliai

Restaurants ’’Čili pica“ Vilniaus str. 128 Aido str. 8 (SC AKROPOLIS) Tilžės str. 109 (SC SAULĖS MIESTAS)

Restaurants ’’Čili pica“ Ūdrijos str. 2 In Kėdainiai

Restaurants ’’Čili pica“ J. Basanavičiaus str. 93 In Marijampolė

Restaurants ’’Čili pica“ V. Kudirkos str. 3 (SC MAXIMA)