The community of Kazlų Rūda “Saulė” School–Multifunctional Centre continues to demonstrate leadership by coordinating the international Erasmus+ project “Moving Without Barriers.” Project activities bring together partners from three countries: Lithuania, Germany, and Poland. This time, the activities moved to a symbolic location—the Trakai Sports Base of the Lithuanian Sports Centre, where the true spirit of the country’s rowing community thrives on the shores of Lake Galvė.
The second day of mobility activities began with a press conference. At the start of the event, the overall project program and its main objectives were presented in detail. The participants were welcomed by our school principal, Daiva Dabrilienė. In her speech, she emphasized the importance of physical activity in everyone’s life and highlighted the invaluable benefits of inclusive sports, which help break down social barriers. Roza Zaranska, the leader of the Polish partner organization (SORW dla Dzieci i Młodzieży z Autyzmem w Malborku), shared her insights and the project’s aspirations. The conference was further enriched by heartfelt and open contributions from project participants Rūta and Jacek. They shared personal stories about their sporting ambitions and spoke about their expectations for this international project. After the official part of the event, the most anticipated activity began.
A distinguished guest agreed to answer the young athletes’ questions—Lithuanian rowing legend Mindaugas Griškonis, silver medalist at the Rio de Janeiro Olympic Games, multiple European champion, and bronze medalist at the World Rowing Championships.
The conference theme, “How Important Is Sport in Our Lives?”, deeply resonated with participants from all three countries, while the champion’s experience inspired young people to keep moving forward regardless of any barriers.
Students and guests from abroad confidently asked questions, and the Olympian’s sincerity, humility, and encouragement left no one indifferent. This day in Trakai became an invaluable experience, proving that sport is a universal language that unites people of all nations!
We sincerely thank Mindaugas Griškonis for his time, the wisdom he shared, and the invaluable inspiration he provided to our international community.
