Vilnius allocates €500,000 to develop young athletes

Vilnius Municipality has set aside nearly €500,000 for a programme supporting young athletes across the capital. The funding will be shared by 27 sports organizations.

The municipality said the programme would help provide consistent, high-quality training and better conditions for practices and competitions. It will also support athletes’ long-term development. Each participating organization will receive a €240 annual grant for every athlete covered by the scheme.

This year, the municipality received 29 applications. Eleven came from football organizations. Other applicants represented kyokushin karate, ice hockey, ultimate frisbee, tennis, volleyball, muay thai, rugby, athletics, climbing, basketball, judo, cycling and badminton.

Organizations must have qualified coaches and suitable infrastructure. Their athletes must also take part actively in official competitions and represent Vilnius. “We want as many children and young people in Vilnius as possible to have the opportunity to train in good conditions and steadily pursue the highest results,” Mayor Valdas Benkunas said. “Sports schools develop talents who later bring recognition to Vilnius and Lithuania in national teams and at European or world championships.”

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We want as many children and young people in Vilnius as possible to have the opportunity to train in good conditions and steadily pursue the highest results. Sports schools develop talents who later bring recognition to Vilnius and Lithuania in national teams and at European or world championships.