Lithuania's Seimas considers proposal for a national Basketball Day

Lithuanian lawmakers are debating a proposal to establish a national day dedicated to basketball, a sport deeply ingrained in the country's culture. The initiative aims to recognize basketball's significant role in uniting Lithuanians and promoting physical activity.

“

I think that basketball is really not just a sport, but also a so-called second religion. (...) I think it is worth honoring basketball with a commemorative day, drawing attention to this sport, which unites, promotes physical activity. Such things do not cost anything, but they show a certain moral attitude and support.

However, the proposal has sparked discussion among members of parliament regarding the principle of equal opportunities for all sports. Some legislators argue that other sports also boast considerable achievements and that singling out basketball might be unfair to their respective communities. "Other sports communities can approach the equality ombudsman, because only basketball is proposed to be awarded an commemorative day," noted conservative MP Jurgis Razma.

Liberal MP Vitalijus Gailius questioned the fairness of this distinction, pointing out that Lithuanian athletes excel in various disciplines, including discus throwing, pentathlon, athletics, football, handball, and tennis. "Are we not violating the principle of equality? Our athletes have achievements not only in basketball," he stated.

“

Other sports communities can approach the equality ombudsman, because only basketball is proposed to be awarded an commemorative day.

Responding to these concerns, MP J. Olekas, a proponent of the basketball day, acknowledged the achievements in other sports but highlighted basketball's unique status in Lithuania. He drew a parallel to recognized professional days for other professions, suggesting that basketball players, who often pursue the sport as both a profession and a pastime, deserve similar recognition. Olekas proposed April 23 as the date for Basketball Day, citing it as the recognized birth date of Lithuanian basketball in 1922.

“

Are we not violating the principle of equality? Our athletes have achievements not only in basketball.

Andrius Bagdonas, a liberal MP, supported the initiative, emphasizing the importance of physical activity and basketball's current prominence in Lithuania, attracting the most spectators and participants. He advocated for dedicating days to various sports to encourage more children to engage in physical activity and lead healthier lives. MP Vitalijus Šeršniovas suggested supporting all community-uniting initiatives, allowing each sport to have its day to foster societal cohesion.

“

Basketball today in Lithuania is in first place. It gathers the most spectators, the most children play this sport. (...) We want to wish everyone not only to allocate more funds to promote sports, but sometimes to allocate days to commemorate those sports so that there are more children in Lithuania who want to play sports, who are active, who are healthier.