Aukštaičių g. 39 12 km 33 6 km 10 9 5 km 4 km 43 11 31 32 19 51 THE CITY OF Jonavos g. 3 km 3 km 5 km

Aukštaičių g. CHAMPIONS Žalioji g. Aušros g. Savanorių pr. 18 Žemaičių g.

Jonavos g. V. Putvinskio g.

K. Petrausko g. 44 A. Mackevičiaus g. 5 Radastų g. Kauko al. Benediktinių g. Šv. Gertrūdos g. A. Jakšto g. Maironio g. 46

K. Donelaičio g. A. Mickevičiaus g. A. Mackevičiaus g. 25 Savanorių pr. 8

Šv. Gertrūdos g. Gedimino g. Papilio g. 24 17

Kumelių g. E. Ožeškienės g. 4 Parodos g. M. Valančiaus g. A. Mapu g. Laisvės al. 22 15 16 Laisvės al. 7 45 Laisvės al. 13 Vilniaus g. J. Gruodžio g. 47 3 Vilniaus g. Rotušės a. 45 Nemuno g. 6 2 45 49 26 48 53 Santakos g. 14 20 D. Poškos g. Kęstučio g.

Birštono g.

Maironio g. M. Daukšos g. 52 Kęstučio g. Muitinės g. Kurpių g. Smalininkų g. 54 DaukantoS. g. Muziejaus g. T. Daugirdo g.

Nemuno g. A. Mickevičiaus g.

Gedimino g. Aleksoto g. Karaliaus Mindaugo pr.

L. Zamenhofo g. I. Kanto g. Karaliaus Mindaugo pr. Druskininkų g. 21 50 42

16 km Karaliaus Mindaugo pr. Miško g. 38 1 ŽALGIRIO ARENA 7 ’ HOME Karaliaus Mindaugo pr. 50 Perkūno al.

Vytauto pr. Vytauto The largest multifunctional arena in the Baltic While it might be difficult to be the second-coming of Arvydas Sabonis, there’s still an opportunity to live in g. Trakų states and the home of the legendary Žalgiris 23 Vaižganto g. team and its’ sea of thousands of fans. his shoes. As long as you can cough up the money, of Attendance records have been broken here, mo- course. Sabonis’ house in Žaliakalnis, built in 1991 and 37 mentous victories have been reached. This is the reconstructed in 2009, is for sale. If you’d finally decide to leave a palace like that, you could just put your slip- go-to place for a true spectacle of basketball, and 4 km 36 fans from all over and abroad will be pers on and head to the game in the Hall, much 34 like Arvydas. 35 there to attest to it. It is also a venue for the top 40 artists and musicians from all over the world and 2.5 km 1 hosts a number of different types of events. 2.5 km 2 km Karaliaus Mindaugo pr. 1 41 8 TENNIS CLUB Vytauto pr. Bažnyčios g. Sporto g. 3 15 SANTAKA PARK 22 RŪTA MEILUTYTĖ LIME TREE 29 MONUMENTAL STONE TO THE KAUNAS SPORTS HALL Established in 1924 and brought back to life in 1989, the Laisvės al. 12 2 In the birthplace of Kaunas, where Nemunas and Neris OLYMPIANS Perkūno al. 5 Kaunas tennis club is one of the oldest organizations in Karo Ligoninės g. 4 km Just two weeks after Rūta Meilutytė’s fifteenth birthday, she A. Juozapavičiaus pr. (next to house 87) Girstupio g. Lithuania. Tennis was brought to the country around meet, you will meet people running or exercising at any The legendary sports hall came into existence at a struck gold in the 2012 London Olympics. In her honor, the the year 1900 by Count Tiškevičius, as the first court was time of the year. There is also a ramp for extreme sports record-breaking pace, as it was built in half a year citizens of Kaunas planted a lime tree right in front of a mon- After returning from Lithuania‘s debut at the 1924 Olym- built in Astravas manor. enthusiasts, the Lithuanian Sports Museum and the loca- before the 1939 EuroBasket. Some of the greatest tion of the planned House of Basketball. The sports aura ument to Grand Duke the Great. Look down when pic Games in Paris, the athletes planted an oak in Šančiai. Šiaulių g. basketball victories in Lithuanian history were in Santakos Park is also complemented by artistic inclu- you’re in search of it, the tree is marked with a special plaque. Despite the fact that no medals were brought back home, Kaunakiemio g. achieved here, both during the First Republic pe- sions, with a sculpture of an old-style weight designed and they paved the way for future generations and were com- riod and during the Soviet occupation. The Žalgiris sculpted by Tadas Vosylius. The half-meter weight lays memorated 84 years later. The author of the monument legend was nurtured between these walls, and once stone is Arvydas Rymeikis. 9 NATIONAL FOOTBALL ACADEMY there with a weight of a ton. 23 the renovation is complete, it will continue hosting Aukštaičių g. 51 SIMONAS DAUKANTAS BRIDGE basketball, and competitions. The monumental pedestrian bridge connecting the Besides training budding talents, this is the go-to place LITHUANIAN AVIATION MUSEUM for professional and amateur teams in Kaunas to train. of Kaunas and the Nemunas Island was built in 1988 when 35 16 HOUSE OF BASKETBALL Lithuania had not yet regained its independence. Neverthe- 30 ŽALGIRIS KAUNAS YACHT CLUB Veiverių g. 132 The renovation of the academy in 2009 was completed Santakos park R. Kalantos g. 124 by unveiling the Lithuanian footballer sculpture. Right less, from the very beginning the bridge was decorated with Nearly 20 thousand exhibits help us appreciate the rich his- The pantheon of Lithuanian basketball is still on the symbols of our statehood. On the 4th of July in 1996 pilot Jur- 27 S. DARIUS IR S. GIRĖNAS beside the stadium, in Petras Vileišis square, stands a Did you know that Kaunas’ first yacht club operated in tory of our country’s aviation, both military, civilian and 3 composition called Festival, marking the location of the drawing board, but it is planned that this modern and gis Kairys legally flew under a bridge for the first time in the the very center of the city, on the Nemunas Island? After sportive. The museum is located in Lithuania’s oldest aero- STADIUM first Lithuanian Song Festival, held in 1924. majestic building will accommodate all the past and fu- world. He repeated his flight four years later, this time upside all, during the interwar period this was the location of a drome and draws in with exhibits such as ladybug-like glider M. K. Čiurlionio8 g.km Perkūno al. 5 ture basketball victories and will emerge in Santakos Park down. Right after his accomplishment, the pilot met up with winter port. Once the Kaunas Reservoir emerged with the inside or the steel birds outside of the exhibition. As soon as the stadium’s renovation is com- by 2020. Formula-1 pilot Mika Hakkinen on the bridge itself. damming of Nemunas, sails soon became an integral part 30 plete, Kaunas will boast a stadium of the highest of Kaunas’ landscape. (fourth) UEFA category. The historic stadium was first opened in 1925 and reconstructed soon after. KAUNAS BALTŲ AINIAI ICE 10 17 ANTANAS MARTINAITIS SCHOOL 36 JURGIS DOBKEVIČIUS In 1936, the first international football game was RINK PROGYMNASIUM played, as Lithuania defeated 2:0. It was the Aušros g. 42C OF ART 24 V. ADAMKUS PRESIDENTIAL Šv. Gertrūdos g. 33 31 KAUNAS SPORTS SCHOOL GAJA V. Čepinskio g. 7 host venue for the first Lithuanian National Olym- LIBRARY-MUSEUM Partizanų g. 180 Lithuania’s best figure skaters and Mar- 28 piad and has hosted the World Lithuanian Games, The building of Antanas Martinatis School of Art has seen S. Daukanto g. 25 Jurgis Dobkevičius was still very young when he became Lieu- garita Drobiazko started their career in Žaliakalnis. It Kaunas’ largest sports school teaches as many as 15 sports: tenant and took the reigns of the Air Squadron. He was the World Lithuanian Song and Dance festival, Baltic everything throughout its’ years since being built in the The future President of Lithuania lived in Žaliakalnis during 2 km continues developing children who are looking to be- badminton, boxing, , judo, fencing, wrestling, ori- first to carry out the death loop and constructed three planes. Sea Sports Games, European Athletics Champion- 18th century. In March, 1927 it marked the start of Lithu- the interwar period. As a kid, he was fascinated by the basket- come ice skaters or hockey players. Curling is also being enteering, table tennis, skeet shooting… The school’s his- Unfortunately, the third one ended up being a fatal plane for ships, the meeting of Pope John Paul II, - anian table tennis history. Lithuania’s first game of table ball games in Kaunas Sports Hall, to which he would some- played here. Until the new arena comes to fruition, it is tory dates back to 1951, when a Complex Sports School for him. Dobkevičius died testing it in the Aleksotas aerodrome. an U19 Football Championship. Among the most tennis, organized by the Jewish sports association Makabi, times sneak in without a ticket. As he was in Germany during also the home of the team. Children and Youth was established here. The next page A progymnasium nearby the crash site was named in his memorable football events were the Lithuanian was played here. A memorial plaque on the facade of the the war, he won a number of medals in the Games of the 29 1 km in the book dates to 1963, when the School of Sports Ex- honor and holds a memorial museum and a memorial stone National Team’s games against and , school marks the occasion. Suppressed Nations. You can get to know more about Valdas and FBK Kaunas’ pairing with Glasgow Rangers. cellence was established in Kaunas, near the Institute of outside of it. Adamkus‘ biography in one of the few presidential libraries Physical Education. in Europe. KAUNAS BASKETBALL SCHOOL 11 18 SCULPTURAL COMPOSITION ŽALGIRIS “THE RACE” 37 MARVELĖS EQUESTRIAN CENTER Pašilės g. 41 Kaunas castle roundabout 32 KAUNAS SCHOOL Marvelės g. 199 4 LITHUANIAN SPORTS Baltų pr. 8 In the autumn of 2018, two of the oldest and most titled 25 VYTAUTAS MAGNUS UNIVERSITY The oldest and currently only equestrian center in Kaunas UNIVERSITY As sculptor Tadas Vosylius offered his idea of race horses K. Donelaičio g. 52 Sporto g. 6 basketball academies in Kaunas, Sabonis’ basketball running in a circle for the Kaunas accents competition, Olympic champion Rūta Meilutytė started her career here is located on a picturesque location nearby Nemunas. It has center and Aisčiai joined to become Kaunas basketball he noted that the Kaunas castle roundabout resembles a Since 2017, besides many other interesting study programs, in Šilainiai swimming pool, which is well-documented in undergone a renovation from the ground up, starting in 2018 It’d be a tough ask to count all of the Lithuanian school Žalgiris. The road to the top Lithuanian basket- race track. It really does! Vytautas Magnus university offers the Sports Business MBA the documentary Rūta (2018). Thousands of young Kaunas and is planning to host international equestrian competi- champions and their coaches who have graduated ball club Žalgiris is now straighter than ever. by EB Institute. It is the only international study program citizens overcome their fear of water in these tracks. Wa- tions in few years time. from this historical institution. While it has gone in Europe that is carried out together with the EuroLeague. ter polo is also played in the pool, as it often hosts various through several name changes, whether it’d be an Of all universities in Europe, the organization chose the one competitions. institute, academy or university, the achievements KAUNAS MAKABI STADIUM in Kaunas. of its graduates have been of the highest level. 19 Besides the Physical Culture Palace, planned out by 12 GIRSTUČIO POOL (T.B. NONEXTANT) 38 NEMUNO RING Jonavos g. Kačerginė, Kauno r. Vytautas Landsbergis-Žemkalnis in 1934, LSU also Kovo 11-osios g. 26 33 LAMPĖDŽIAI ROWING BASE owns the track-and-field hall in Žaliakalnis. The present-day Jonavos st. was a Jewish inhabited area. Smoke, oil and screeching tires! The only circular racing HELLO! A terrific place to learn how to swim, or just to splash Since up until 1858 they were not allowed to build houses The wind is becoming increasingly favorable for rowers - a around when the weather isn’t being too kind. All in all, STONE OF REMEMBRANCE FOR track in Lithuania with a length of 3350 m was opened in 1960 WELCOME TO THE CAPITAL OF LITHUANIAN SPORTS. in the Kaunas city center, the found home in Vilijampolė 26 modern base for this will soon be opened here. Wish for a stage of the USSR rally championship. Most motorsports it’s the number one choice for all of Kaunas’ mermaids and on the other side of Neris, the current Jonavos street. ISAKAS ANOLIKAS the students of Kaunas Sports School Bangputys the best and mermen. enthusiasts call this place home and would get hooked on the KAUNAS IS THE HOME OF ŽALGIRIS AND NUMEROUS A synagogue (that no longer stands) was built here, the Laisvės al. 3 of luck! The atmosphere has always been sportive here: sport right here in Kačerginė. 5 ĄŽUOLYNAS PARK Lithuanian rabbi union was active, and in 1920 the sports The author of idea for stones of remembrance (german - the UNO adventure park is on one shore of the lake, while LEGENDARY BASKETBALL PLAYERS, AND HAS ENCHANTED and gymnastics union Makabi was established. The union stolpersteine) is a german artist Gunter Demnig, who has laid wakeboarding enthusiasts gather on the other. The stadium, Kaunas Sports Hall, bike paths and owned the stadium that held a capacity of 2500 specta- out more than 50 thousand symbols across Europe in mem- EUROPE AND THE ENTIRE WORLD WITH THE POPULATION’S plenty more opportunities to take on sports or sup- 13 TOWN HALL SQUARE tors. During the Soviet occupation, the stadium was re- ory for the victims of the Holocaust. One of such stones in 39 KAUNAS AIRPORT port athletes in one of Europe’s oldest oakwoods. It named to Lima under a nearby factory. Kaunas marks the location of the velodrome where the first Karmėlava, Kauno r. We meet all our European and World champions, med- DEDICATION TO THE SPORT. NEVERTHELESS, DESPITE has an interesting detail behind it. In 1938, as the Lithuanian Olympian Isakas Anolikas trained. 34 STEPONAS DARIUS AND STASYS first National Olympiad approached, Napoleonas alists and other deservedly sportsmen in this square One day in April, 1999, all of Kaunas and a big part of Lith- GIRĖNAS AERODROME uania gathered in the small town of Karmėlava. Everyone Petrulis’ statue of a sitting man was revealed in Vy- that once had a bazaar buzzing. The news of Kaunas Veiverių g. 132 BASKETBALL BEING THE COUNTRY’S SECOND RELIGION, dūno avenue. The sculpture, dedicated to a healthy as the European capital of culture was also announced 20 MEETING OF BASKETBALL wanted to see the newly-crowned EuroLeague champions body and lifestyle, depicts basketball player Petras here. It is also the start and finish of the Kaunas mar- PLAYERS MURAL One of the oldest in Europe, the century-old aerodrome with their own eyes, as they returned home from Munich. AND MOST LIKELY THE CITY’S FIRST ONE, TO BE ABLE TO Jankus, who was the torchbearer in the Olympiad’s athon and the location to celebrate the start of a new Kurpių g. 29 27 RIO ARENA received its name after the tragic flight of . It opening ceremony that year. year. Town square is the heart of the city. Kaunakiemio g. 5 was the intended landing location for pilots Steponas Once the Lithuania men’s basketball national team Darius and Stasys Girėnas. There has been more and CALL ITSELF THE CAPITAL OF LITHUANIAN SPORTS, KAUNAS brought back gold from in EuroBasket 2003, We know a place in Kaunas where summer and white sand more aviation festivals at the airport and the constantly everybody celebrated, even those who weren’t really into is ever present! Just missing the sea, you say? What for? The improving infrastructure has been drawing thousands of HAS TO OFFER MUCH MORE THAN JUST THAT. AND IT DOES. sport. The following morning, various artists wrote a beach is dominated by beach volleyball, tennis and badmin- fans from all over the world. 14 LITHUANIAN SPORTS MUSEUM thank you note on a postcard…which was a wall of one of ton. YOU’D NEED NUMEROUS VOLUMES OF ENCYCLOPEDIAS 6 VYTAUTAS PARK Muziejaus g. 7 the signee’s office. The beginning of sports in Lithuania is considered Medals, trophies, diplomas, shoes, javelins, bikes, balls. TO WRITE DOWN AND INTRODUCE ALL THE OLYMPIANS, to be the 13th of July, 1919. That day marks the first Thousands of Lithuania’s best athletes’ memorabilia sports event, or to be exact, the first track-and-field and personal items form a small museum that was LOCATION OF THE FIRST 28 A. ŠOCIKO STREET CHAMPIONS, MEDALISTS AND FOUNDERS WHO CALL event to be held in the country. It took place in founded by former sportsman Pranas Majauskas. This 21 Vytautas Park, which was still called Petrovka back FOOTBALL GAME In 2014, the city council decided it was time to commemorate was the place Valdas Adamkus announced that he Nemunas bank by the Kaunas State Musical Theater KAUNAS THEIR HOME. THIS TOUR ROUTE IS JUST THE START in the day. With the initiative of Lithuanian Sports the great boxer, coach and European champion Algirdas So- IN THE FOOTSTEPS OF VICTORIES IN THE FOOTSTEPS would be running for the Lithuanian President position. Museum Director Pranas Majauskas, the location Although the first football match in independent Lithua- cikas. Since the athlete was from Šančiai, his name was given OF IT ALL, AS WE STROLL OUR WAY TO VICTORY. was marked with a memorial stone. It was also the nia dates back to 1919. and took place in what is currently to part of the Siūlai street that extends in the area, very close location of the first basketball and football practic- Vytautas Park, to get to know the roots of this sport, we’d to where he used to live. es in an independent Lithuania. have to return to Tsarist times. PUBLISHED: 2019 BASKETBALL BOXING AIR SPORTS into existence officially, despite its appearance on the fields in 1960. The torch was passed on to 75 YEARS OF ACHIEVEMENTS It sometimes feels like the ancient Baltic Steponas Darius was also the founder of Lithu- Part of the national defense system, a lifestyle Lituanica, as the continue writing the history of How did you lose your tribes must have played basketball on the anian boxing, as he organized the first cham- or a sport? Aviation is a very wide topic and the baseball in the city to this day. seven hill forts surrounding the city of pionship in the interwar. Lithuanian boxers Lithuanian history runs wide. However, all Lith- Kaunas. Truth is, we’re only getting ready won 10 European championship gold medals uanians know their heroes Steponas Darius and You can also get acquainted with episodes of Žalgi- to celebrate the Lithuanian and Kaunas and had a podium finish in the Olympics five Stasys Girėnas, who flew across the Atlantic, or TABLE TENNIS ris history at Žalgirio Arena, where an exhibition with Žalgiris virginity..? birthday of this sport. The importance of times. During the Soviet occupation, the fights Antanas Gustaitis, who constructed planes with According to a survey done in the summer of 2018, the sport to the city is obvious in every between Algirdas Socikas and Russian Nikolay a romantic name ‘Antanas wants to be in the The sport of table tennis came into existence historical photos and awards is ever-present. step, whilst the historic facts are just as Korolyov were a landmark event as seen as a air’ (ANBO) and his colleague Jurgis Dobkevičius more than a century ago and the founders of the a whopping 43 percent of people who consider them- impressive. All four of the true symbol of struggle for Lithuanian inde- (1900-1926). In more recent times, Jurgis Kairys was the Makabi sports club. 1944 - Žalgiris Kaunas Sports Fellowship was estab- selves to be Žalgiris fans admitted to having never that took gold in the 1988 Seoul Olympics pendence. (born in 1952) has oohed and aahed the world On the map you will find the location that hosted lished in Kaunas. The first game was organized on with USSR were from Kaunas. Besides that, with his acrobatic tricks. the first table tennis championship. The Lithua- been to the team’s home game in Žalgirio Arena. This Arvydas Sabonis (1997), nian table tennis association was founded during the 13th of October of the same year. (2002) and Šarūnas Jasikevičius (2018) have TRACK-AND-FIELD the interwar, but soon came to a halt and was was how the unique idea of the #ZalgirisVirgin project all been named honorary citizens of the MOTORSPORTS only reinstated in 1992. city. The first Lithuanians stepped on the big stage 1947 - Žalgiris triumphed in the USSR champion- came to life. The campaign encourages fans to stop in track-and-field during the 1928 summer It didn’t take long for people to start racing once ship for the first time. By 1989, the tally has already setting the task aside and finally going to see a game SPORTS Olympics in Amsterdam. Kaunas is proud of its the car was invented. The national rally Around BADMINTON reached five. FOOTBALL numerous Olympic and world champions, with Lithuania, that took off on July 24th, 1931, is widely in person, thus losing their Žalgiris Virginity and expe- discus thrower Andrius Gudžius being the latest considered to be the start of motorsports in the The sport of badminton entered Lithuania The first football games in Kaunas were one to step on the podium. country. The rally drew crowds of well-known through Moscow. During a festival in 1957, when 1981 - Žalgiris participated in the European Cup win- riencing an unforgettable event. played a couple years before the end of the Lithuanians, including the president of the Re- a Chinese delegation introduced the sport. In ners‘ tournament for the first time and reached the czarist rule. In the first inter-city football public of Lithuania, Antanas Smetona, who took the 1989 European youth games in Manchester, Birutė Kalėdienė (born in 1934) was the first Visitors would be greeted with a newcomers’ #Zalgi- game between Kaunas and , the lat- Around Lithuania under his wing and was there Kaunas-born Aušrinė Gabrėnaitė took home quarterfinals. Lithuanian athlete to set a world record, when ter team won 10:5. The first ever Lithuanian to award the winner. bronze, while Aivaras Kvedarauskas ranked she threw the javelin 57 m 49 cm in 1958. Start- risVirgin package, that can be purchased alongside football championship that was held in amongst the top 100 badminton players in the ing 1966, she worked as a coach in Kaunas and 1986 - Žalgiris made its debut in the FIBA European 1922 had a whopping 10 teams participat- world between 1999-2002. The brightest talent of tickets to the game. It includes a team scarf and a became the president of the Kaunas track-and- Later on, Nemanas’ race track in Kačerginė kept ing from Kaunas! Nearly a century later, in recent days Kęstutis Navickas (born in 1984) rep- Champions Cup, where they only lost to the Drazen field seniors club and member of the Ąžuolynas the sports enthusiasts entertained. After regain- Žalgiris manual with the team’s history, a dedicated 2020, Lithuania, and of course Kaunas, will resented Lithuania in the Beijing Olympics, and Kaunas sports club board. During the 2008 Eu- ing independence, the Lithuanian automobile Petrovic-led Cibona Zagreb in the tournament final. have the chance to host the world futsal took on an educational role afterwards. basketball dictionary, the lyrics of Žalgiris chants, a championship. ropean track-and-field veterans games, she set sports federation was established in Kaunas. We the world record for javelin throw in the wom- could go on and on about motorcycle sports in 1986 September 15th - After defeating Ferro Carril list of must-dos in the arena and other relevant in- en’s 75+ age category. Lithuania, but the key take from the recent years would be multiple-time Lithuanian champion SWIMMING Oeste from Buenos Aires () 84-78, Žalgiris formation. After the game, the first-timers are also Arūnas Gelažninkas’ performance in the 2019 Da- won the intercontinental William Jones Cup - the kar Rally. By now, most likely every Lithuanian could name awarded a diploma with the coach’s signature, mark- Ice hockey came to life in 1922 in Lithua- WRESTLING the achievements of wondergirl and Olympic highest achievement in the world on a club level. nia when Steponas Darius put together the champion Rūta Meilutytė (born in 1997). Her gold ing their first visit and outstanding support among the Wrestling is one of the world’s oldest sports and first ever Lithuanian ice hockey team and medal in the 2012 London Olympics encouraged Lithuanians have their own, traditional form crowd of green-and-white fans. organized the first game. Lithuania’s first CRICKET many to take up swimming, which is considered 1998 April 14th - Having defeated Stefanel Milan #ZALGIRISVIRGIN of fol wrestling called ristynes. The first Lithu- hockey championship took place four years to be one of the healthiest sports. We would also anian wrestler to have a podium finish in the Several hundred students from Southeast () 82-67, Žalgiris won the FIBA European Cup later, in 1926. Currently, the sole represen- encourage an ovation for the first Lithuanian Olympics was Kaunas-born Mindaugas Mizgaitis currently attend Kaunas University of Technol- tative of Kaunas in the national hockey swimmer in the Olympics (1972, Munich), Birutė Winners‘ Cup, allowing them to participate in the (born in 1979), who took silver in the 2008 Olym- ogy and with their initiative, a cricket team was league is the Kaunas Hockey team. In the Užkuraitytė-Statkevičienė (born in 1953). The pics in Beijing. The talented Greco-Roman wres- established in 2013. If you’d like to try out this EuroLeague for the first time.

meanwhile, few remained unmoved during sports veteran and academic carried the Olympic ŽALGIRIS KAUNO tler and multiple-time Lithuanian champion sport, contact the cricket ambassadors! the 2018 World Championship that took torch in 2012. place in Kaunas, as they witnessed Lithu- was coached by his father, Valentinas Mizgaitis. 1999 April 22nd - By defeating Kinder Bologna (It- ania take gold in their division. MORE KAUNASTIC ROUTES AMERICAN aly) 82-74, Žalgiris claimed the European basketball CYCLE SPORTS WATER FORMULA throne and their first ever Euroleague champions For more interesting places, objects, personalities and stories from Kaunas, visit the FOOTBALL The powerful water formulas, that reach a speed RUGBY The first bicycle race in the world took place in trophy. other It’s Kaunastic routes as well: Americans consider it to be a national treasure, of over 170 km/h is only slowly making its way up Lithuanian rugby counts its days back to 1868, but it only reached Lithuania after World while Lithuanians are slowly getting accustomed the popularity charts in Lithuania, but Kaunas “Modernist’s guide“ “Welcome to Kaunas“ 1961, when the first game was played. In War I. The first official race in an independent 2011 October - Žalgiris played its first game in the to the sport. The maiden official American foot- already has a European champion. Edgaras Riab- the face-off between USK Mokslas Vilnius Lithuania was held in 1922, and Kęstutis Bulota “Wallographer’s notes“ “The Litvaks of Slobodka“ ball game in Kaunas was played in 2017, and the ko earned the title in 2018. For the last several brand new Žalgirio Arena. By January 2018, 5 mil- and KKI Atletas Kaunas, the Kaunas side (1896-1941) was considered the father of the sport Kaunas Dukes continue their search for new tal- years, the world’s top sportsmen keep coming “The Litvak Landscape“ “The Ethnic Trail“ emerged victorious. Throughout the last in the country. Bulota, Lithuania’s first partici- lion spectators had already visited the arena, with ent. The team practices both in Santakos park and back to kaunas for the championship stages in “The Sugihara Route“ “Ciao, Kaunas“ couple of years, we’ve been rooting for the pant in the winter Olympics (1928) died during Silainiai, with Audrius Avižienis bringing home Kaunas Reservoir. the lion’s share of them coming to see a Žalgiris men in green-and-white of the Žalgiris World War II, as did the maiden summer Olym- “Gastro Guide“ “Culture Shock“ pics contestant - cyclist Isakas Anolikas. the knowledge for the sports from . game. rugby team. “Kid-sized Kaunas“ ROWING BASEBALL 2018 May 20th - In the EuroLeague Final Four game HANDBALL CHESS In 1885, Neptūnas, the first rowing sports club in for third place, Žalgiris overcame CSKA Moscow 79- For free publications, visit the Kaunas IN Tourist Information Center (Rotušės a. 15, Lithuania, was established in Klaipėda, which was Apparently, the Grand Dukes of Lithuania would Having returned home to Lithuania from the The one exception from the Kaunas rule – still in the territory of Prussia. In 1913, a pier was 77 to claim bronze. That same year Žalgiris earned Kaunas), in locations labeled with the Tourism Information Friendly stickers, or strategize battles over a chess board. Chess fig- US, Steponas Darius popularized numerous dif- Lithuanian handball traditions date back opened on the bank of Nemunas to which Count urines were found excavating the hillforts in ferent sports, including baseball. Two teams the 20th overall and 8th consecutive LKL champi- visit.kaunas.lt. to Klaipeda, 1927. However, Žalgiris Kaunas’ Tiškevičius donated several boats. In 1932-1936, Kaunas and locations all over Lithuania. With from Kaunas participated in the first Lithuanian women’s handball team has ingrained the Kipras rowing club, named after opera solo- ons trophy and defended their claim for the King the initiative of Kaunas chess enthusiasts, championship that saw its first pitch in 1922, LFLS its name as four-time USSR champions ist Kipras Petrauskas, operated in Kaunas. After the Kaunas chess society was founded on the and Aviacija. Historical circumstances stopped Mindaugas Cup. and two-time European club champions. regaining independence, Kaunas sports school 3rd of August, 1921. Aviator Antanas Gustaitis the development of Lithuanian baseball, and the Kaunas handball history continues to be Bangpūtys has developed a number of excellent USEFUL HASHTAGS (1898-1941) became the first-ever Lithuanian championship’s second iteration was only played written by Granitas-Karys Kaunas. roweres, including Rio 2016 medalist Donata chess champion in 1922. in 1987. In 1993, the baseball club Kaunas came #kaunastic #manokomanda #zalgiris Vištartaitė, Ieva Adomavičiūtė and many others. #visitkaunas #manopirmas Become a fan! TOURISM INFORMATION 40 BARAS 11 47 CASA DELLA PASTA Karaliaus Mindaugo pr. 50 Laisvės al. 29 KAUNAS KAUNAS CHALLENGE “KAUNAS IN“ A mini-museum inside the Žalgirio Arena bar. It is There are plenty of Italian cuisine fans on the Žalgiris ros- Žalgirio Arena Ticketing Office | Karaliaus Mindaugo pr. 50 | zalgirioarena.lt an embassy of basketball, where green-and-white ter. Don’t be surprised if you’ll have to look up at a recog- MARATHON kaunaschallenge.lt fans gather to watch the team’s road games and nizable big man. Rotušės a. 15, Kaunas | +370 616 50991 kaunasmarathon.lt Žalgiris Shop | S. Daukanto g. 8, Karaliaus Mindaugo pr. 49 („Akropolis“) | zalgirisshop.lt discuss the hottest action after home matches. Accept a challenge and participate in famous [email protected] | visit.kaunas.lt 48 DIA 2019 saw the seventh iteration of the urban adventure race! Pick your course for the #kaunastic #visitkaunas #kaunas2022 41 SALA Maironio g. 9 first timers or athletes who wish to push their Karaliaus Mindaugo pr. 50 Kaunas marathon and it has been named Žalgiris athletes have nothing but good things to say about amongst the most important European limits or something in between and try seven The restaurant in Žalgirio Arena offers the most both the restaurant’s kitchen, and the impeccable service. different disciplines including , scenic lunch in town. If you ever head out to pur- running events. The reasoning behind it is a small variation of height in the track, obstacles, biking, rollerblades, water, ropes and chase a ticket to the game, don’t miss out on the other fun tasks. Get ready! chance to see it for yourself. 49 REŽISIERIUS which makes it possible to break records. Vilniaus g. 10 Runners are surrounded by picturesque VYTAUTAS VLADAS JONAS ŠARŪNAS KAZIMIERAS STANISLOVAS GARASTAS JASIKEVIČIUS PETKEVIČIUS STONKUS Another go-to spot for basketball stars, where asian cuisine sights of old and new parts of Kaunas Žalgiris hall BIMBA KAZLAUSKAS (born 1932) (born 1976) (1926–2008) (1931–2012) 42 MCDONALD’S FAST FOOD is portrayed through a movie filter. and serene Lithuanian nature. No wonder (1927–2001) (born 1954) RESTAURANT more and more foreigners make way to the HEAD COACH HEAD COACH HEAD COACH HEAD COACH GUARD FORWARD Karaliaus Mindaugo pr. 18 1979–1990 2016–NOW 1946–1951 1950–1958 starting line each year. 1962–1975 1994–2000 50 MOMO GRILL of fame Even the Žalgiris players will confirm, that a cheat Karaliaus Mindaugo pr. 18A day is good for you sometimes. Especially if you’re looking to go all-out during the game! Right on the way to the arena, or on the way back from Žalgiris history has counted a sweet sweet victory. Žalgiris training staff wouldn’t let LIKE BIKE us lie. likebike.kaunas.lt 75 years already. How well do MCDONALD’S STAR ALLEY 43 you know the team’s heroes? (under renovation) 51 ARENA BILLIARDS Kaunas is looking to become the first city Savanorių pr. 321 Savanorių pr. 363 in the Baltic states to be completely fitted Arvydas Sabonis, Modestas Paulauskas, Tanoka The billiards club that opened its doors in the Autumn of PART TAKE for biking. The revolution began in the city Beard, are just a few of the no- 2018 has raised the bar for this sports not only in Lithua- ARŪNAS DARIUS center and has seen bike paths make their ALGIRDAS MODESTAS VALDEMARAS RIMAS ARVYDAS table Žalgiris players to leave their handprint in nia, but in the whole region. Two floors, a number of ta- LAURITĖNAS SABONIS VISOCKAS LUKMINAS (born 1969) Lithuania’s only walk of fame. The first prints were bles and time flying by. They‘ve got darts, they‘ve got pizza, way to other areas of the city. Let’s ride to- PAULAUSKAS CHOMIČIUS KURTINAITIS (1932–2001) (born 1964) (born 1965) (born 1968) CENTER stamped back in 2004! they‘ve got drinks. If you ever stayed a bit too long and are gether? (born 1945) (born 1959) (born 1960) CENTER POWER FORWARD SHOOTING GUARD 1987–1995, 2002–2003 about to miss the basketball or football game, no worries. CENTER SMALL FORWARD SHOOTING GUARD GUARD 1981–1989, 2001–2002, 1985–1996 1990–1996 They‘re going to be broadcasting it live. 1952–1963 1962–1976 1983–1989, 1992–1993, 44 JĖGAINĖ 1979–1989 1995–1996 2003–2004 Sporto g. 3 After a run, a game of tennis, a session in the sports 52 ENTRY club or beauty procedures in the nearby SPA, the Kęstučio g. 71 body will always ask for some healthy food, bal- anced for a moving body. That’s exactly what This billiards club was opened back in 2003 by two Lithua- Jegainė offers. nian champions. Be sure to ask how many champions it has trained through the years. There‘s plenty more to do there, too - you‘ll always have the chance to follow your favorite 45 REPUBLIC team‘s games live. Laisvės al. 57

HAVE A SNACK A HAVE Vilniaus g. 10 Vilniaus g. 13 DARIUS PAULIUS JONAS MANTAS ARTŪRAS EDGARAS 53 REBELS IRISH PUB MASKOLIŪNAS (born 1971) (born 1975) JANKŪNAS MAČIULIS KALNIETIS MILAKNIS ULANOVAS Basketball, football and hockey games, Formula-1 Laisvės al. 21 (born 1971) CENTER POWER FORWARD (born 1984) (born 1985) (born 1986) (born 1986) (born 1992) and many other sports are a daily draw in these Fans of basketball, football, hockey and numerous other 2002–2007 1995–2002, 2008 GUARD bars. If your game is on one of the channels and POINT GUARD POWER FORWARD SMALL FORWARD SHOOTING GUARD, SMALL FORWARD sports gather in this Irish pub to watch their teams play 1992–1999 2003–2009, 2010–NOW 2005–2009 2006–2012, 2015 2007–2011, 2013–2015, 2016– 2014–NOW there’s nothing bigger going on, feel free to ask the and soon after exchange it for a musical spectacle. NOW bartender to turn it on!

46 CAFÉ KREGŽDUTĖ 54 2 OBUOLIO Sporto g. 1 Palangos g. 9 One of the first private cofé in Kaunas opened back Before, during and after a game - you will find Žalgiris fans in 1986 and has fed generation after generation go- here any time. As will you find football fans. It is the only ing to the games in the Kaunas Sports Hall or the bar in Lithuania that is dedicated to drinks made out of nearby stadium. apples. Nothing but advantages!