February 19th – 26th two groups of foreigners had basketball clinics in Kaunas. AS Basket from Norway choose Kaunas city for the first time. They were very satisfied and fascinated by a country that loves basketball. BA RTC Noord (Netherlands) came back to Kaunas second year in a row.
Both groups started their visit with the impressive show in Žalgiris arena. Karalius Mindaugas cup final game was held here and our guests had unique opportunity to enjoy spectacular show. After tough game, Kaunas “Žalgiris” celebrated victory.
After the first day of entertainment, both – Dutch and Norwegians started their practices and games marathon. Coaches and players have worked with the Lithuanian basketball specialists: Darius Dimavičius – a retired Lithuanian professional basketball player, who won the bronze medal with the Lithuania national basketball team at the 1992 Summer Olympics in Barcelona, Spain, Marius Kiltinavičius – former basketball player, now coach of “Sūduva – Mantinga” – champions of second men’s basketball league, Šarūnas Zablockis – youth coach, U16 European Youth Basketball Championship silver medalist as a coach assistant, multiply medalist of Lithuanian youth championship, coach assistant, other youth coach as Marius Žemaitis, Aivaras Grigaliūnas, Andrius Macijauskas and Modestas Gailiūnas.
After practices, Dutch and Norwegians apply their knowledge during the games with Lithuanian youth teams. Young basketball players had games with teams of “Tornado” basketball school, “Aisčiai” basketball school, “Perkūnas” basketball school, Sabonis basketball center. Girl’s team visited Marijampolė and Panevėžys and played games there.
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Coach of AS Basket (NOR) Are Larsen – former professional basketball player. AS basket club was founded few years ago. They demonstrate quite good basketball in Norway, but games in Lithuania showed them that they have to learn a lot. Lithuanian coaches, who have had practices with AS Basket kids, said that players are very motivated, susceptible and hard work will help them to become better basketball players. “We are very happy with this great organized basketball clinic, – said coach of AS basket Are Larsen. – Children saw not only Lithuanian basketball, but also Dutch. We took a walk in Kaunas and had great time here. I got a lot of useful information. We will keep working and hope next year will come to Kaunas!”
„Our visit in Lithuania was great! – Said Anne van Dijk – head coach of BA RTC Noord – Each year we choose one country for our basketball camp. Maybe some of parents wanted that their kids visit other country, not Lithuania. On the other hand, as we saw after last year visit to Lithuania, this country is perfect for basketball clinic! People love basketball here! In one week in Lithuania we had a lot of practices with our own and Lithuanian coaches, played a lot of games, saw our strengths and weaknesses. After coming back home, we will have a lot of things to do. It was amazing, that we had a chance to visit Lithuanian basketball league games not only in Kaunas, but also in Panevėžys. We gained a lot of experience! We are very thankful for great visit! It’s always wonderful to come back to Lithuania!”