After a brief interlude following the distribution of medals to the Olympic champions, the second most significant sporting event of the summer – the Paris Paralympic Games – will capture the attention of sports enthusiasts. Among the 4,400 athletes, nine Lithuanian competitors are already gearing up for their events. However, they are not alone on their journey to sporting success; the support of their training team, as well as our collective encouragement, is crucial.

Runner Garunkšnytė: “The Team Must Be a Unified Force”

Determination and the relentless pursuit of goals – these are what marathon runner Aušra Garunkšnytė, a member of the national team, considers the most vital attributes for an athlete’s team. The runner has learned this through experience, coming to appreciate the assistance of all those who work alongside her to achieve results.

“My coach, my guide, the medical team, the nutritionist, the general physical trainer, the sports psychologist – there are so many people involved,” says the visually impaired Paralympian.

Drawing from her own experience, Ms Garunkšnytė also emphasises that the team must act as a unified force in any situation.

“These are the people who are always there. Not just when I’m enjoying myself or when we achieve a good result, but also when I’m struggling. Without them, I would probably feel as if I had no arms or legs,” she reflects on the importance of her team.

However, she adds that achieving victories would be difficult without comprehensive support.

“I am certain that every athlete gives their all to bring fame to Lithuania, regardless of their placement or the results they achieve. We give it our utmost effort, so it’s reassuring to know that our compatriots are cheering us on in front of the TV screens and at the competitions.”

In addition to Garunkšnytė, athletes Eivydė Vainauskaitė, Oksana Dobrovolskaja, Andrius Skuja, Donatas Dundzys, swimmers Gabrielė Čepavičiūtė and Edgaras Matakas, judo wrestler Osvaldas Bareikis, and rifle shooter Raimeda Bučinskytė will also compete in Paris.

Success in Sport and Business Is Determined by a Common Characteristic

For the Lithuanian Paralympic team, these are the tenth Games since the country gained independence. Mindaugas Bilius, President of the National Paralympic Committee, notes that today, both financial and moral support are of great importance to the Paralympic community.

“It is becoming increasingly difficult to qualify for the Paralympic Games, as the global elite gather here. To remain competitive, we need the support of sponsors. This is particularly true for young and promising athletes who have not yet achieved high levels of success and therefore lack substantial state support. We greatly value our partnership with Girteka, who have been helping us achieve our goals together for years. I can confidently say that we are building Lithuania’s future together and raising our country’s profile on the world stage,” said Mr Bilius.

Meanwhile, Vytenis Šuklys, CFO of Girteka Group, believes that support for Paralympians begins with their immediate environment: the coaches, the various professionals who work alongside them, as well as family and friends. However, this is not the only form of support that athletes can feel as they strive for achievements that resonate with all of us.

“Community spirit and the ability to come together have always been traits of the Lithuanian nation. This is also evident in our support for athletes. We tend to cheer for our beloved teams and individual athletes, no matter the number of medals they win. Business is similar in this respect, as achieving the desired results requires true teamwork. So, not only should every Lithuanian who watches our athletes’ performances stand united on the road to Paris, but any business that understands the importance of support, team trust, respect, and dedication in overcoming challenges – both in sport and professionally – can also demonstrate their support,” comments Mr Šuklys.

According to Girteka, it is particularly important to provide the Lithuanian Paralympic team with the strongest possible backing.

“Despite the challenges, these athletes set an example for many Lithuanians with their dedication, perseverance, and genuine efforts to improve. We are delighted to support the Paralympians in a way we can. Their motivation, determination, and the unity within each athlete’s team are inspiring values that we also uphold in our organisation,” says Mr Šuklys.

See more of Paralympics Athletes stories here.