Rytas Vilnius begins the new year by continuing its commitment to the community and those who need it most – through the social initiative Together Against Exclusion. On January 26, together with its long-time partner Satchel, Rytas Vilnius is organizing a special event at its home arena, Active Vilnius. The entire Rytas Vilnius team will take part, joined by students from Vilnius Verkiai School – Multifunctional Center and members of the “Mirabilija” association for people with disabilities and their families.
As the capital’s representative basketball club, Rytas Vilnius strives not only for victories on the court but also for a strong connection with society, the local community, and visitors of Vilnius. The goal of this event is to give children and adults with disabilities the chance to experience the spirit of basketball, spend time with Rytas Vilnius players, and remind them how important they are to our community. During the event, guests will also be invited to take part in a “masterclass” training session, allowing everyone to not only enjoy the players’ skills but also feel the joy of sport and human connection themselves.
“We constantly seek to contribute to the life of our city and to draw attention to those who need help. Basketball is more than sport – it’s a tool that can unite people, inspire courage, and show that together we are always stronger. This event is one of the ways we can give something back to those who face daily challenges, and we’re glad to do it alongside our club partners,” said Jaroslav Latušinskij, Director of Rytas Vilnius.
The event partner, Satchel – an electronic money institution licensed by the Bank of Lithuania – also shared their thoughts. “We fully understand that complex problems cannot be solved overnight, but through consistent and conscious action we want to remind everyone that social exclusion is a serious issue. People with disabilities face not only practical difficulties but also loneliness every day. We want their full inclusion to become a reality, and through our actions we hope to contribute to this change,” said Satchel CEO Sergiy Barybin.
Rytas Vilnius and Satchel invite everyone to join social initiatives and become part of a community that cares not only about victories on the court but also about meaningful social messages. This event marks only the beginning of a year in which the club will continue its mission to spread kindness and support to others.