LTU - Global tributes on landmark birthday for Lithuanian basketball

VILNIUS - Congratulatory messages poured in from around the basketball world as the Lithuanian Basketball Federation (LBBF) celebrates its 90th birthday.
 
In a country where basketball permeates every aspect of daily life and is a national obsession which enjoys almost religious-like status, this landmark was quite rightly celebrated with real gusto and pride. 
 
A range of different activities and events have been taking place to mark the occasion including basketball seminars attended by a number of distinguished guests in Vilnius, the showing of films to revive great basketball memories and also the main highlight – a spectacular basketball festival held in Kaunas Sports Hall showing historical photos, memorabilia and speeches from a number of basketball greats.
 
But, it hasn’t only been Lithuanians themselves who have been reflecting on their success and prominence in the sport with some of the most influential figures in the global game revealing their admiration for the superb work undertake by the Federation with FIBA Secretary General Patrick Baumann quick to lead the tributes.
 
“The Lithuanian Basketball Federation is one of the very few federations from around the world that can claim to be in a county that has basketball top of the mind for everyone - from the President of the country to the youngest who is probably born with a basketball in their hands,” he said.
 
“The quality of the work that is done relating to the number of people living in Lithuania is outstanding and there is no other country which can match this quality.”
 
He continued: “If you combine the passion, the professionalism, the stars and the talent then the Lithuanian Basketball Federation presents a case study that be used everywhere around the world." 
 
“For that, we are very grateful to have Lithuania as a basketball member and one that is contributing so much to the growth of our game over and over and has done so for the past 90 years - congratulations once again on your birthday!”
 
Rightfully proud of their rich heritage, Lithuania has undoubtedly had not only had an impact within its own borders and region but right across the globe. Re-iterating the sentiment of Mr Baumann, there was also strong praise from NBA Commissioner David Stern.
 
“On behalf of the NBA family, it is my pleasure to congratulate the Lithuanian Basketball Federation on 90 years of excellence and dedication to the game of basketball," he said.
 
“Lithuania remains one of the top producers of basketball talent in the world. This commitment to developing outstanding talent has been good for the NBA which has benefitted from nine current or former players including FIBA Hall of Famer and Federation President Arvydas Sabonis.
 
“Thank you for all your efforts that further the game not only in Lithuania but around the world."
 
Sabonis himself spoke at the event in Kaunas with the legend grateful for those who have contributed to one of the most impressive histories in world basketball.

“I want to congratulate everyone with the 90-year anniversary of Lithuanian basketball and also thank you all for gathering here in Kaunas Sports Hall, which has witnessed every little detail from the 1939 European Basketball Championship to Zalgiris winning Euroleague," he said.
 
“I want to thank sports veterans, coaches, referees, organisers and fans for their input in the creation of the rich history and spreading the word about Lithuania around the world.
 
“I would like to wish everyone to be healthy and to continue their tireless work for Lithuanian basketball.”

And finally, emphasising just how much basketball means to Lithuania and its people, Prime Minister Andrius Kubilius quite aptly proclaimed “Basketball has always been and will always remain as a Lithuanian symbol of youth, pride and energy.”

Click here to see video tributes paid by basketball leaders from around the world to the LBBL.
 
FIBA