As the FIBA Champions League season progresses, Rytas Vilnius continues its second-year social responsibility project, Together Against All.
At the end of October and in November, in collaboration with Vilnius Archdiocese Caritas and their FIBA Champions League Group F rivals, Szombathely Falco Vulcano, the club launches a joint social campaign focused on one of the most pressing global issues – racism. This campaign is crucial not only because of its scale but also because of the international collaboration, demonstrating that social issues know no borders and encouraging different communities to unite for greater impact.
In recent seasons, Falco Vulcano, like Rytas, has increasingly engaged in addressing social issues beyond the basketball court. According to club representatives, a joint campaign with the Vilnius team was a natural step, given the shared values of both clubs – both teams not only demonstrate sporting achievements but also openly address issues that provoke discussions within society and exist worldwide, even in basketball arenas. As Szombathely team representative David Toth stated, “Social issues exist regardless of where we are. By collaborating internationally, we can reach a larger audience and have a greater impact.”
“Comprehensive tolerance and openness to everyone are among Rytas Vilnius’ core values. These values, along with an open approach to the darker episodes of the club’s history, encourage us to take a firm stand on racism. This is a topic many avoid due to its discomfort, yet it remains relevant in Lithuania,” said Rytas head coach Giedrius Žibėnas. “We are proud to compete in the national championship (Betsafe-LKL), which in recent years has repeatedly demonstrated zero tolerance for racism, and we hope this serves as an example for all league clubs. This campaign aims to show that whether you are a high-earning basketball player from the USA or an asylum seeker from the Middle East staying in a refugee center – everyone can face racism, though its forms may differ.”
The initiative unites not only the two clubs but also their fans and the broader basketball community. Racism is a highly sensitive and sometimes taboo topic. According to Kick it Out surveys, 43% of professional athletes have faced racism, stemming from historical and cultural differences, with the majority of racist incidents occurring during sports events or on social media. The sports world has repeatedly demonstrated its power to change public perception on sensitive issues, and basketball provides a unique platform to raise awareness and drive change. Both clubs believe that their collaboration is a step toward addressing this problem.
The power of sport to unite people, regardless of race or team, will be represented by the clubs’ ambassadors – R.J. Cole for Rytas Vilnius and Benedek Váradi for Szombathely Falco Vulcano. On October 30, during the match between the clubs, the teams will wear identical warm-up jerseys, demonstrating solidarity in the fight against racism.
“Although they are opponents on the court, everyone should be judged by their talent, not racial differences,” said Rytas Vilnius director Jaroslav Latušinskij. “Our joint goal – to fight racism – is far greater than any victory. Sport can unite people, and these ambassadors perfectly reflect this important message.”
“It was surprising to learn about this collaboration. I am happy that the teams initiated it. It’s a great idea and an example of how two teams can work together to tackle serious issues,” said former Rytas Vilnius player, initiative ambassador, and Falco Vulcano guard Benedek Váradi. “There are advantages and challenges when dealing with different cultures and trying to adapt to a new community. As players, we have to help each other make the first days or weeks in a new team or city easier. I was very lucky. Abroad, my teammates, coaches, staff, and fans all helped me, both on and off the court.”
One of the main symbols of the joint campaign will be the special Love Rytas / Hate Racism T-shirts. Proceeds from the sales will go to the Refugee Center run by Vilnius Archdiocese Caritas, providing asylum seekers with various services to help them successfully integrate into the community and ensuring that everyone feels safe and respected. Basketball fans will be invited to purchase these T-shirts, contributing to social change, community solidarity, and raising awareness. The campaign will also include several videos sharing personal stories and experiences.
The initiative will also involve the fans themselves. From October 26 to November 17, during home games, fans can participate in the Wheel of Fortune for a symbolic donation to Vilnius Archdiocese Caritas, win various prizes, purchase special merchandise, and become an integral part of the campaign.
“It is essential to educate the community about human rights and the experiences of foreigners in Lithuania. Everyone has the right to be respected and accepted, and our goal is to create an environment where everyone feels welcomed and safe. Cooperation and understanding are the keys to successful integration, which helps build a stronger and more united community,” said Eglė Masevičiūtė, head of the Vilnius Archdiocese Caritas Refugee Integration Center. “Successful integration depends both on the motivation of migrants and the openness of the receiving community. If personal motivation is weak or the local community is unwilling to accept newcomers, integration may take up to 10 years or may not happen at all. Insufficient integration can lead to social exclusion and poverty, limit migrants’ participation in the labor market, and reduce economic involvement. This can cause cultural conflicts and weaken societal cohesion, negatively affecting Lithuania and its international image.”
We invite all community members to speak out against observed racism during our games. Share your observations with club staff – together we can ensure zero tolerance in our environment.
Come support your team, become part of the change, and show that the only colors that matter on the court are your team’s colors.