Laurynas Misevičius, president of the Lithuanian Atheletic Union of North America (ŠALFASS) reminds us that it’s been three years since the last tournament (2019, Elizabeth, New Jersey). This year’s games commemorate the 70th anniversary of the event and will be held in Chicago on May 18-22.
A documentary is being created about LAUNA-ŠALFASS for this occasion, and the organizers are looking for 70 sponsors to donate $70 to $700 each for its production. All contributors names will be displayed in the film credits, and treasurer Rasa Mitrulevičienė will provide a (US) income tax receipt. Please send donations to LAUNA – ŠALFASS, Rasa Mitrulevičienė,149 E. Parkview Dr., Shirley, NY 11967. Donations via Zelle or Pay Pal: Zelle – via phone No. 203-895-7147; Pay Pal – via email [email protected].
“Your gift of $70 to $700 will help to ensure our bright future of Lithuanian Athletics as well as preferred (premium) seating at the 70th Anniversary Gala in Chicago on May 21, 2022,” said Misevičius. On a personal note, he noted that “Every competition and win, starting with EuroBasket 1937, has solidified for me the pride that I feel for Lithuania and how athletic competition not only brings all of us together, keeps our language and culture strong, and helps to ensure our freedom. … I believe it was basketball and the athletic movement in Lithuania and around the world that helped to define the Lithuanian identity that helped the winds of change blow stronger in Lithuania and the Baltics, ultimately freeing Lithuania from the tight grip of Mikhail Gorbachev and the Soviet Union”.
The film’s creative team of five is researching and selecting historical photographs and other material at the Lithuanian Studies Research Center (Chicago / Lemont) and the Baltimore Lithuanian Museum as well as meeting with Lithuanians to review their personal archives. Interviews were conducted with important athletes and Lithuanians remotely and in-person from SALFASS-LAUNA in the United States, Canada as well as Lithuania. The film will include visual archival material as well as images of the cities of New York, Cleveland and Detroit. Arvydas Reneckis will be filming the 70th anniversary Games in Chicago.
The ŠALFASS Committee may be contacted for further information. President: Laurynas Misevičius ([email protected]); Vice-President: Stasys Kuliavas ([email protected]); Treasurers: Arūnas Morkūnas ([email protected]) and Rasa Mitrulevičienė ([email protected] ); Secretary: Arunas Čygas ([email protected]); Basketball Committee Chair: Paulius Riškus ([email protected]); Golf Committee Chair: Matas Anužis ([email protected]); Mid-West Chair: Aurimas Matulevičius ([email protected]); East Coast Chair: Deivis Pavasaris ([email protected]); Member: Kazimieras Deksnys ([email protected]). For team contacts, see chart at http://www.salfass.org/sportas/salfass-tournament-update.
In addition to basketball, table tennis will be included in the games, as well as pool, bowling, chess, and pickle-ball. Additional participants are welcome. Contact Laurynas by email [email protected].
All games will take place at the Lithuanian World Center and the Lemont Park District. These venues are 5 minutes away from each other. Social events include a welcome party on Friday May 20th from 7PM-10PM at Grand Duke’s Restaurant, which is within 10 minutes of the hotels and gyms. There will be live music, Lithuanian food, and Lithuanian beer. On Saturday, the 70th SALFASS Anniversary Gala will be at the Lithuanian World Center. The event will include Live Music (Cigarai), Lithuanian Food, and opportunities to recognize and honor SALFASS organizers and special guests.
