The Organizers of the Games have already received confirmations from delegations of more than 40 countries, which will arrive to the Games Siauliai 2012. “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 Donata Grigiene, the Coordinator of the Games. “Disabled people will have separate competitions. They will compete in beach volleyball, darts, Bocce, and showdown (table tennis for the blind)”.
Registration extended to the 1st of May
The Organizers note that the registration term for the Games has been extended to the 1st of May, because the participants, handling various formalities, asked. “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”, - says Donata Grigiene. “Initial accreditation, i.e. registering fee is 10 Euros (35 Litas), 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, 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 Donata Grigiene.
A variety of benefits of the Games
The Organizers of the Games expect that TAFISA Games will stimulate local businesses, contribute to the promotion of Lithuania, and encourage people live healthier and more actively.
“The working group of TAFISA Games has been working in Siauliai since 2009, and the results are encouraging: the President Dalia Grybauskaite and Androulla Vassiliou, the Commissioner of the European Union, responsible for education, culture, youth policy, languages and sport, have agreed to be the patrons of the Games. We have also been recognized by important global organisations: UNESCO, International Olympic Committee and World Health Organisation. We have worked hard to receive direct funding from the European Union.” – says Kestutis Petraitis, the Director of the Games.
The Organisation participated in many international conferences and symposiums, where Lithuania, Siauliai and the region were presented, to be entitled to organize the Games. Representatives from the most distant countries have learnt how to pronounce the name of Siauliai, and already know the place on the map of Europe, where Lithuania is. The Games will significantly contribute to the awareness of Lithuania in the world. It is expected that more than 5000 people from more than 50 countries will arrive to Siauliai.
The Organizers of the Games believe that not only the providers of accommodation, catering and tourism services will have benefit from the event. The Contact Fair, which will be held during the Games, will also foster useful contacts, which will encourage the development of Siauliai Region.
One of the most important objectives has not been forgotten as well – to encourage people to be more active, do sports, and in this way maintain their health, strengthen their bodies, therefore it is intended to organize many wellness actions and free exercises through cooperation with society health offices.
The circuit meeting of EDUC Commission for Education, Youth, Culture and Research of EU Committee of the Regions will be held during the Games, where representatives from 27 countries of Europe will participate. This meeting will be held in Lithuania for the first time.
Rūta Jurgilaitė
