Valdas Adamkus changes usual image: seen rarely like this

Valdas Adamkus, Lithuania's former president, surprised attendees at the Olympic Day torch lighting ceremony not only with his symbolic act but also with his choice of attire. Typically seen in elegant suits at public events, the former head of state opted for a sporty look this time.

The symbolic Olympic Day torch was lit at the Lithuanian Olympic House in Vilnius, just three days before the nation's largest sports festival. Adamkus had the honor of lighting the torch, which then embarked on a journey down the Neris River. It is scheduled to reach Kaunas' Nemunas Island on Saturday for the main Olympic Day events, bringing together city residents, guests, sports enthusiasts, and professional athletes.

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Olympic values not only nurture athletes but strengthen the entire society.

Organized in Lithuania for over three decades, Olympic Day encourages the public to explore various sports, promotes active living, and reinforces core Olympic values such as respect, friendship, and continuous self-improvement. "Olympic values not only nurture athletes but strengthen the entire society," Adamkus stated after lighting the torch. Daina Gudzinevičiūtė, president of the Lithuanian National Olympic Committee and an Olympic champion, noted that Olympic Day annually gathers thousands of sports fans and professionals. "I am happy and proud of the athletes' desire to share their experience, knowledge, and Olympic values. This is an important contribution to a more active and healthier society," she said.

This year's event places special emphasis on families. Organizers are inviting participants of all ages to try sports included in the 2028 Los Angeles Olympic Games program, with Olympians on hand to guide them. The torch, after being lit by Adamkus at the LTOK headquarters, traveled down the Neris River, carried by Olympic vice-champion Mindaugas Griškonis. The relay continued with gymnast Rokas Guščinas and ice dancer Saulius Ambrulevičius. On Saturday in Kaunas, eleven more Lithuanian Olympians will carry the torch to the main stage, including Maksimas Fominas, Karolis Dombrovskis, Viktorija Andrulytė, Juozas Bernotas, Birutė Šakickienė, Saulius Ritter, Eglė Savickaitė, Vida Vencienė, Gintautas Matulis, Nelė Žilinskienė, and Romas Ubartas. Attendees in Kaunas will have the opportunity to meet these athletes and many others who will attend with their families.

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I am happy and proud of the athletes' desire to share their experience, knowledge, and Olympic values. This is an important contribution to a more active and healthier society.