The Lithuanian rotary community is gaining recognition for a unique approach to fundraising and community engagement. rather than traditional competitive sporting events, the annual Winter Rotariad prioritizes collaboration and social impact, recently distributing 12,000 euros to the Lithuanian Paralympic Committee and the Mikalojaus konstantinas Čiurlionis Art School in Druskininkai [[1]].This year’s event, held at the “Snow Arena” in druskininkai, exemplifies a growing trend of using sports as a vehicle for broader social good within the international Rotary organization.
Rotary International has awarded 10,000 euros to the Lithuanian Paralympic Committee this year. An additional 2,000 euros was granted to the Mikalojaus Konstantinas Čiurlionis Art School in Druskininkai.
Sports and Community Building as Tools for Long-Term Social Impact
The Winter Rotariad, a relatively new event, is rapidly gaining momentum. Unlike similar initiatives in many other countries, the Rotary community in Lithuania has developed a format where sporting events serve not as competitions, but as a means of strengthening ties between clubs and collectively creating social impact. This approach highlights the potential of community-driven initiatives to support both athletic endeavors and broader social goals.
“The Rotariad is a very unique phenomenon within the international Rotary organization. It’s hard to find similar examples where a Rotary district brings together so many club members in one place and raises funds through sports and community building,” says Egidijus Žukauskas, Governor of Rotary District 1462. “This is a great example of how a structured organization, existing for more than 120 years, can operate in a modern and meaningful way.”
He added that the Winter Rotariad complements a long tradition of Rotary support projects – from local initiatives to international humanitarian missions, including ongoing assistance to Ukraine. Stability and continuity are among the most important values of this movement.
Nine Events at “Snow Arena”: From Downhill Skiing to Penalty Shootouts
This year’s Winter Rotariad took place at the “Snow Arena” in Druskininkai and its surrounding areas. Participants engaged in nine sporting events, including downhill slalom skiing, relay races, orienteering, events for Rotarian family members, and a new addition – a penalty shootout for ice hockey, designed for both active participants and those wanting to symbolically try winter sports. All activities were organized to be safe and accessible to participants of varying fitness levels.
Organizatorių nuotr./Rotary apygardos valdytojas Egidijus Žukauskas ir Lietuvos paralimpinio komiteto generalinė sekretorė Asta Narmontė
“Our goal is to foster stability and ensure that the Winter Rotariad becomes a long-term tradition, just like the Summer Rotariad,” says Gediminas Daškevičius, Chairman of the Winter Rotariad Organizing Committee. “This year, we welcomed over 200 participants, and most importantly, we achieved a clear objective – we raised funds for the Lithuanian Paralympic Committee. This isn’t just a sports competition; it’s a celebration of community and values.”
The long-standing partnership between the Rotariad and Paralympic sports is also emphasized by Mindaugas Bilius, President of the Lithuanian Paralympic Committee.
“I would like to express my joy for the friendship with Rotarians that has lasted for many years. This collaboration, based on shared values and trust, is very important to us. The support of Rotarians is significant for the entire Paralympic movement. It is great that the Winter Rotariad, held every year, not only brings together many participants but also encourages interest in winter sports,” says M.Bilius.
Organizatorių nuotr./Žiemos Rotariada
He also noted that this year, Lithuania will once again have a representative at the Winter Paralympic Games after a 32-year hiatus – a development he says symbolically coincides with the Rotarians’ efforts to consistently strengthen Paralympic sports. This return to the Winter Paralympics underscores the importance of sustained support for athletes with disabilities.
Partner Contributions and a Look Ahead: Rotariad in Palanga This Fall
The Rotary community is already preparing for the Summer Rotariad. They anticipate a record number of participants and it may be the largest event in the history of the Lithuanian Rotary 1462 District. “The 25th anniversary Summer Rotariad will be held in Palanga in September and will coincide with the international “Rotary Action Summit” event, attracting guests from abroad,” says E.Žukauskas.
The implementation of the Rotariad is significantly contributed to by event partners and sponsors, whose support ensures not only the continuity of the event but also targeted support for projects that create long-term value.
“Our partnership with Rotary, lasting for many years, is based on shared values – responsibility, community, and a real contribution to initiatives that are important to society. We are pleased to be able to contribute to the Winter Rotariad this year as well and support projects that create long-term value – the Lithuanian Paralympic Committee and the Druskininkai M.K.Čiurlionis Art School,” says Algirdas Čiburys, Head of “MV GROUP Production.”
The event was also supported by other partners – “Auresa”, “Biofarmacija” and “Fashion Gold”, “15min group” and others.
The fourth Winter Rotariad in Druskininkai once again confirms that the Rotary community in Lithuania is not only about social projects, but also a vibrant, active organization that builds community and creates lasting impact.
