CALL FOR SPORT FANS TO TAKE PART AT TAFISA WORLD GAMES
While sport professionals from all over the world are preparing for the 2012 Olympic Games in London, the sport fans are invited to take part in TAFISA Games “Sport for all” in Siauliai Region, Lithuania on 5-11 of July. Siauliai - the fourth largest city in Lithuania surpassed such metropolitan cities as Moscow, Frankfurt, Bordeaux, Sao Paulo, Kuala Lumpur and was granted with the right to hold the 5th TAFISA World Games Sport for All.
“The games are just like the Olympics for all non-professional sportsmen who practice their favorite branch of sport in their free time. Participants will have a unique chance to compete with other sportsmen from all over the world.” – says Kestutis Petraitis, Director of the Games. “We have already received confirmations from delegations of more than 40 countries, which will arrive to the Games in Siauliai.”
Participants will come from Portugal, China, India, Republic of Dominica, Netherlands, France, Spain, Poland, United States of America, Germany, Israel, Hungary, Latvia, Turkey, Iceland, Brazil, Australia, Indonesia, Lebanon, Belgium, Japan, Finland, Sweden, Austria and so on.
So, if you play tennis, basketball, volleyball, football, ride a bicycle, motorbike, practice athletics, swimming, equestrian sport and so on, you are very welcome to Siauliai, Lithuania this summer.
“The Games is fascinating in the fact that everyone can participate. In order to take part in the Games, it is not necessary to meet certain special criteria or qualification requirements. Only age and weight limits are applied in some certain sports”, - says Kestutis Petraitis. “Disabled people will also have separate competitions. They will compete in beach volleyball, darts, Bocce, and showdown (table tennis for the blind)”.
The Secretary-General of the TAFISA Wolfgang Baumann stressed the importance of fostering the heritage of different cultures and peoples. According to him, this event is a platform that will bring together different peoples of the world. "It is an event that will place special emphasis on fostering awareness about cultural and social heritage. This is why our games are supported by UNESCO." – said TAFISA’ Secretary-General.
“Lithuania is a perfect host for such Games, because it has a very rich history in folk culture and experience in preservation of traditions. Organizing the Games you show that you are not just one of the countries on the map of Europe, but you are a country, holding its magnificent culture, and accepting and encouraging other countries to preserve their traditions, national games and sports as well”. – says W. Baumann
Registration ends 1st of May
The Organizers note that the registration term for the Games is 1st of May. “Depending on the sports, it is possible register for the Games as an individual or a team. Registration forms, information about the Games, accommodation conditions are announced on the website of the Games www.siauliai2012.lt”, - explains Donata Grigiene, coordinator of the games. “Initial accreditation, i.e. registering fee is 10 Euros, and the final amount will depend on whether a participant needs accommodation and catering services and the level of services”. Participants may choose different service packages, however if a participant has a place to stay in, he or she simply marks that he or she does not need such services.
Wide cultural program
Participants frequently arrive with their families, because TAFISA Games is not a festival of sports only, but culture as well – it includes music and dance festivals, crafts fairs, wellbeing events, etc. It is expected to organize national performances of 50 various foreign countries, where popular and traditional games, dances and exotic sports of foreign countries will be demonstrated.
Representatives of various countries not only demonstrate their national performances but involve audience into their demonstrations, and teach them. Thus if you wish to try your hand against Italians, playing Tamburello (a team game, similar to tennis), learn to dance Capoeira, Brazilian dance, which includes combat elements, Shuffleboard, which is popular in USA, and see many other exotic sports and games, you will have a great chance to do it, by visiting Lithuania during the Games.
“The countries seek to present their culture through national performances of sports and games. Temperament, fight, and understanding of honour and dignity are being expressed during national demonstrations. Such performances leave the audience impressed, spread good mood, and are emotionally charging people”. Our aim is to create a festival for all, involve spectators, and show that regardless of the age or physical preparation, all can go in for sports, and live active and healthy lives.”, - says Kestutis Petraitis, director of the Games.
The Organizers of the Games are proud to have received the support from important global organizations: UNESCO, International Olympic Committee and World Health Organization. Dalia Grybauskaite, the President of the Republic of Lithuania, Androulla Vassiliou, the Commissioner of the European Union, responsible for Education, Culture, Multilingualism and Youth and Mercedes Bresso, the President of the EU Committee of the Regions have agreed to be the patronesses of the Games as well.
Šiauliai – one of the cultural centers in Lithuania
Šiauliai is one of the major cultural centers in Lithuania. Professional art companies and single performers make the town famous. Both residents of Šiauliai and visiting guests may sweep into the vortex of the intensive cultural life, which is full of original events.
Sports are given due attention in Šiauliai and thus many of the sporting events have become traditional. In 2011 during the European Basketball Championship the group B played in Siauliu arena.
Šiauliai is also well known for The Hill of Crosses – a historical and architectural monument, a unique ensemble of folk art. Its peace, spirituality, authenticity, and sacred nature attract visitors. In 1993, the Hill of Crosses was visited by the Pope John Paul II. He celebrated Holy Mass, during which he prayed for the religious martyrs of Lithuania and for all of Christian Europe. The Holy Father later said that the Hill of Crosses was "a special place in the world that summons up all the miseries and pain of the present century and that shines with hope of resurrection."
For more information about the registration and accommodation, please contact the coordinator of the 5-th TAFISA World Sport for All Games "Siauliai 2012" Kristina Dagyte:
Tel.: +370 41 383070
