On June 8, Vilnius Vingis Park Stadium turned into a real oasis for young athletes – the Fullgazz running duel competition took place here, bringing together as many as 98 children from all over Lithuania. This inspiring event for children aged 4-16 not only opened the Vilnius 5000 running competition, but also showed how much joy, excitement and togetherness can fit into two simple runs – the 50-meter sprint and the 400-meter endurance test.
The organizers, Fullgazz Academy together with the Lithuanian Athletics Federation (LLAF), held the event not as a regular competition, but as a celebration – without an awards podium, without first places, but with a full embrace of medals, sincere joy of children and loud chants.
“We want children to compete not for the first place, but with yesterday’s self – this is the most important message we carry at each of our events,” said Aurimė Žakaitė, one of the founders of the Fullgazz Academy, after the sports festival.
The participants were divided into age groups, each was given the opportunity to start twice, and their results were recorded – not to compare themselves with others, but to inspire them to improve and come back even stronger.
The event was full of entertainment: foam cannon, ice cream, music, poster workshops, and shouts of support from children created an atmosphere in which sport merged with celebration. Not only did the participants run, but they also became real heroes of support, chanting, applauding and encouraging friends and family.
The Fullgazz running duel proved that children’s sports can be both adventurous, warm and meaningful. It was an event where everyone won – who won a duel, defeated themselves or just tried bravely. The competition fulfilled the set goals: it interested, attracted and encouraged children and young people to play sports, and encouraged physical activity of children and young people.
“We are glad that the organizers managed to attract so many children and parents who created a festive atmosphere. Such events encourage children to play sports, introduce them to the stadium and the competitive environment. The children were really very happy. We should also thank the Ministry of Education, Science and Sports and the National Sports Agency, which allocate physical activity funds to federations, which have the opportunity to organize such events,” said LLAF Secretary General Nijolė Medvedeva.
The Physical Activity Programme is funded by the state budget and administered by the National Sports Agency.
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Photo by Jurga Urbonaitė.
