Government approves permanent council for World Lithuanian Games

Lithuania is replacing temporary organizing groups with a permanent council for the World Lithuanian Games, giving the event a standing institutional structure for the first time.

The 31-member council will be chaired by the deputy minister of education, science and sport. The mayor of the municipality hosting the games will serve as deputy chair. Its members will include deputy ministers from relevant ministries, representatives of the Presidential Office, the Seimas and the Government Chancellery, as well as delegates from the Association of Local Authorities in Lithuania, the Lithuanian National Olympic Committee, Lithuanian Radio and Television, and Lithuanian organizations abroad.

Until now, Lithuania formed a separate temporary working group for each edition of the games. The Ministry of Education, Science and Sport said the permanent council aims to improve coordination by ensuring continuous representation for key state institutions and diaspora organizations, while excluding institutions whose direct work has little connection with the event.

The restructuring follows amendments to the Sports Law adopted by the Seimas. Those amendments gave the World Lithuanian Games official legal status and defined their regular schedule and funding model. Held in Lithuania every four years, the games combine sport and culture and bring together thousands of Lithuanian and Lithuanian-origin athletes from around the world. The event also seeks to promote physical activity, strengthen national identity and connect Lithuanian communities at home and abroad.