President of the Republic of Lithuania Dalia Grybauskaitė received organizers of the European Men’s Basketball Championship, EuroBasket 2011, to discuss the progress of preparations for the championship.
The President underlined during the meeting that proper preparedness to host the championship was the responsibility and a matter of concern for the whole of Lithuania and its success was a matter of honor, prestige and image of the country in the world. The President and the organizers discussed the progress of construction of the arenas, preparedness to ensure public safety, accommodation arrangements, arrangements for volunteering and the use of the championship for promoting the image of Lithuania.
“This championship is a challenge for Lithuania having in mind that the number of participating teams has been increased from 16 to 24, and we have to work hard to make sure that everybody comes back home with the best impressions of Lithuania,” the President said.
The President underlined the completion of the arenas was of utmost importance for the championship. It is a matter of honor and construction works are therefore a priority and a responsibility both for the builders and for the municipal authorities concerned, the President said.
According to the President, the championship offers a unique opportunity for Lithuania to promote its global image and this opportunity must be properly made use of. This is a shared responsibility for the organizers, the Tourism Department and municipal authorities.
About 6 thousand volunteers offered their assistance for the championship. According to the President, their contribution will be invaluable and is an inherent feature of a western country.
In the near future, the President will sign a Law on Volunteer Activities that aims to promote volunteering, define its legal status and facilitate its development.
The President wished the national basketball team perfect preparedness and beautiful victories bringing joy to all fans of Lithuania.
Press Service of the President
