On 13–14 June, the seaside town of Šventoji hosted the 30th Anniversary Lithuanian Industrial Workers’ Family Sports Games. Despite changeable weather conditions, the event brought together more than 800 participants and their families, filling the sports grounds with excitement, positive emotions and a strong sense of community.
This year’s Games welcomed teams from 16 companies and organisations: Kretinga District Heating, Lifosa, KN Energies, Kauno Energija, Raseiniai District Heating, Klaipėda Energy, Elektrėnai Municipal Services (EKŪ), Achema, Šiauliai Energy, ESO, Ignitis Gamyba, EXTO, Litgrid, Agrochema, the Oil Workers’ Trade Union and Turto Bankas.
The event traditionally united all generations – from the youngest participants to experienced sports enthusiasts. The venues echoed with children’s laughter, exciting competitions and enthusiastic support from families and colleagues, while even four-legged family pets contributed to the festive atmosphere.
A Tradition That Has Endured for Three Decades
This year’s Games were particularly special, marking 30 years of a cherished tradition of sport, solidarity and community.
During the opening ceremony, distinguished guests emphasised that team spirit and mutual support are values that unite people not only on the sports field but also in the daily work of trade unions.
In her opening speech, Dalia Jakutavičė, President of the Lithuanian Trade Union Confederation (LPSK) and the Lithuanian Federation of Industrial Trade Unions (LPPSF), noted that such long-standing traditions are created by ordinary yet dedicated and talented people. She expressed sincere gratitude to all organisations that have contributed to the Games over the years, paying special tribute to Juozas Kembrė, the initiator whose vision launched this tradition more than three decades ago.
Prime Minister Inga Ruginienė and Kristina Šmidtienė, Head of the Procurement Department at AB Šiaulių Energija, also praised the strong community spirit and wished for this unique event to continue inspiring future generations.
Long-standing partners from Denmark – Bjarne Jensen, President of the 3F Lolland Trade Union, and his colleague Vitalijus Ivanov – highlighted that cooperation and friendship between Lithuanian and Danish trade unions has now continued for two decades. “This is yet another proof that solidarity knows no borders,” they stressed.
Elektrėnai Municipal Services Team Wins the Most Awards
Participants competed in 16 different sporting disciplines, requiring not only physical endurance but also teamwork, determination and creativity.
The programme included beach football, beach volleyball, dodgeball, running races, table tennis, chess, draughts, darts, sport fishing, as well as family obstacle races, family darts, family volleyball etc.
The overall leaders emerged:
Elektrėnai Municipal Services (EKŪ) – 13 podium finishes;
Kauno Energija – 11 podium finishes;
Achema and the Oil Workers’ Trade Union – 9 podium finishes each.
Outstanding performances were also delivered by ESO, Šiauliai Energy, KN Energies, Litgrid, Agrochema and Lifosa teams, proving that determination, teamwork and the joy of being together matter just as much as victory.
Saturday Evening Highlighted by Live Music and a Laser Show
After an action-packed day of competitions, participants gathered for a festive Saturday evening programme featuring live music and energetic performances by DJ Juokaz and Greta Sweet Sound, creating an unforgettable atmosphere.
The evening was enriched with a spectacular laser show by Gintautas Stonys, illuminating the night sky and leaving lasting impressions on both children and adults.
Gratitude to Everyone Who Made the Games Possible
The organisers express their sincere appreciation to the team of referees whose professionalism and dedication ensured fair and smoothly run competitions: Gediminas Kriščiūnas, Egidijus Žemaitis, Romas Misiūnas, Saulius Pilkis, Anatolijus Šugajevas, Sandra Sinkevičienė, Darius Eitutis, Birutė Daškevičienė, Donatas, Saulius Jakutavičius, Gintaras Armonaitis, Vitalijus Chlomko, Marius Leveika, Vaidas Ratkevičius, Ernestas Mažylis and Emilija Stonkuvienė.
Special thanks also goes to the event host Juozas, as well as Lina, Goda, Smiltė, Atėnė and Robertas for their invaluable contribution to the organisation of the event.
The organisers are equally grateful to the event’s supporters and sponsors, whose assistance helped turn the anniversary Games into a true celebration of community spirit: the Lithuanian District Heating Association and the Lithuanian Electricity Association.
Special appreciation is also extended to the Kaunas Regional Energy Companies’ Joint Workers’ Trade Union and the AB Šiauliai Energija Trade Union, which provided additional financial support for organising the event. Their commitment and solidarity ensure that this beautiful tradition continues to grow stronger year after year.