Rain Fails to Stop Kaunas Families Running for a Good Cause

Rain changed the route, but it did not stop Kaunas families from bringing their children to the “Children for Children” charity run for a second consecutive year.

The event had been planned outdoors on September 5. With poor weather forecast, organizers moved it indoors one day before the race, to the President Valdas Adamkus Athletics Arena, which opened just over a year ago. The Startas sports school organized the event with the Rimantas Kaukėnas Support Group.

“

We had to change the route, the plans and inform everyone within a day, and we can see that it worked.

Children registered by making a donation. This year’s proceeds will go to Nojus, a boy diagnosed with cerebral palsy who needs special laser therapy to help him move more easily. Alongside the race, the athletics arena offered face painting, opportunities to try different sports, ice cream, balloons and other activities.

“

This event is becoming a tradition for us, and we would like the number of people here to grow every year.

“We had to change the route, the plans and inform everyone within a day, and we can see that it worked,” said Mantas Raila, director of the Startas sports school. Kaunas Žalgiris captain Edgaras Ulanovas, who brought his child to the event, said the initiative had become a tradition and praised the chance for children to exercise and discover sports they might not otherwise encounter.

Last year, about 700 people took part and organizers raised the 6,500 euros needed to help a child obtain special prostheses. Raila said the school had gained greater confidence from sponsors and was aiming higher this year.

“

At the same time, you earn karma points, exercise and help someone, so what could be better?