Everyone will agree that summer is a great time to hit the track. Cycling is more than a sport: it is a healthy lifestyle, togetherness and the joy of movement. The civic initiative “Minam100”, which has been uniting cycling enthusiasts throughout Lithuania since 2017, invites you to a special event “Minu už Lietuvą” on June 14. During it, the first children's group racing championship will be held in the capital, and a symbolic free ride will be waiting for young people.
According to one of the event organizers, Vita Vitkutė-Degutienė, the Day of Mourning and Hope, which is sensitive to Lithuanian history, will be celebrated in an unconventional way this year – by inviting children and young people to come together for a meaningful and beautiful celebration. The event is organized together with the Lithuanian Cycling Federation, the Lithuanian Riflemen's Union and the Lithuanian Scouting. event "Minu for Lithuania" will seek to promote active leisure, strengthen a sense of community, and involve the younger generation in meaningful activities.
"The celebration will combine sports and citizenship - it is not only a competition, but also a message about how activism can grow a conscious society," says V. Vitkutė-Degutienė, initiator of the non-governmental organization "Minam100".
Coaches will meet the children at the starting line.
On the morning of June 14, Valakampiai II Beach will be pulsating with energy – from 10 a.m., young cyclists from all over Lithuania will be welcome here. There will be no shortage of emotions either on the track or among the spectators. At 11 a.m., the first children's group bicycle racing championship in Vilnius will start, bringing together cycling enthusiasts aged 12–14. Slightly younger participants will also be able to stand at the start line – it is important that their readiness is confirmed by the coaches supervising the event. All children will be asked to present valid health certificates, and the championship itself will last about three hours.
"From 14 p.m., everyone who wants to commemorate an important date and spread the idea of unity will be invited to the event space. Preparations will be underway for the symbolic ride "Minute for Lithuania", which participants from 5 to 28 years old will be able to join. A safe route suitable for everyone has been planned especially for this ride. Those who want to participate are encouraged to register in advance - the number of participants is limited," says the event organizer.
The most important thing is not speed or distance.
The event will officially begin at 15 p.m. The host Beata Nicholson will greet the Lithuanian youth and their support teams. Before the "Minute for Lithuania" ride, the winners of the children's championship will be honored on stage, and the Lithuanian anthem will be solemnly sung. The invitation to roll out onto the unity track will be a symbolic handover of the flag.
"The most important thing in this journey is not speed or finishing time, but togetherness, citizenship, and respect for one's country," the event organizers assure.
On June 14, volunteers, riflemen, scouts and police officers will take care of everyone's safety. Each participant will be awarded a commemorative medal "I am marching for Lithuania - for the sake of the Homeland". Leisure areas, educational stations and entertainment for the whole family will be open throughout the celebration. The Lithuanian Riflemen's Union, the Lithuanian police, Fire and Rescue Service, Lithuanian Scouting, JUDU, Vilnius City Health Bureau, "Active Vilnius", NGOs and many others.
