At the end of July, special guests visited Vytautas Magnus University’s President Valdas Adamkus Sports Centre – the Lithuanian men’s national basketball team held a training session here as part of their preparation for the upcoming European Championship.
Head coach Rimas Kurtinaitis and the players praised the facilities after practice, highlighting VMU’s contribution to the future of Lithuanian sports. According to them, the centre is not only a modern training space but also a vital support hub for growing generations – both students and professionals.
Rimas Kurtinaitis: “We have no requests – everything fits perfectly”
National team head coach Rimas Kurtinaitis stated after practice that the conditions at VMU Sports Centre are flawless. In his view, this is one of the rare places where athletes lack nothing.
“The gym is big, spacious, brand new, and we also have the stadium. We have no issues, no requests – everything is suitable for us. It works for the national team. And not only for us – as far as I know, youth teams are also preparing here,” said Kurtinaitis, stressing that VMU is becoming an important sports hub not only for students.
Rokas Jokubaitis: “The conditions for students to improve are excellent”
For starting point guard Rokas Jokubaitis, this was his first time training in the VMU sports hall, and he was delighted by the opportunity to practice in such a modern and versatile venue.
According to him, this place is a real springboard for youth. “It’s great to work here, in this VMU gym. It was our first time, but really – the conditions for students to improve are excellent,” he said.
Jokubaitis also pointed out that the 3×3 national team trains here – and their recent results reflect the fruits of systematic work. “We are also happy to have come here,” he added.
Mantas Rubštavičius: “It feels really good and fun to return here”
VMU student and national team candidate Mantas Rubštavičius feels at home in this sports centre – not only has he trained here with the national team, but he also played here with the VMU basketball team in the Lithuanian Student Basketball League (LSKL) championship.
“This facility is already familiar. During the season I played here with VMU, and now I’m back with the national team. The conditions are excellent, everything is new and well taken care of – it feels really good and fun to return,” Rubštavičius smiled.
Together with the VMU basketball team, Rubštavičius also became an LSKL champion this year.
Tadas Sedekerskis: “I haven’t seen such a centre in Lithuania”
Baskonia (Spain) captain Tadas Sedekerskis was also impressed by the quality of VMU Sports Centre. He said it is one of the most modern and versatile training bases he has ever visited.
“The VMU Valdas Adamkus Sports Centre is truly impressive. I haven’t seen anything like it in Lithuania. There’s a great basketball hall, outdoor tennis courts, a 3×3 court, a football stadium… We had a really good practice here,” said Sedekerskis.
According to him, centres like this inspire athletes to push themselves and improve.
VMU Sports Centre – A Launchpad for Victories
The VMU Sports Centre has become not just a place for preparation but also the starting point for victories. The Lithuanian men’s 3×3 national team trained here before winning bronze at the Paris Olympic Games last summer. The same facility also hosted training for the 3×3 Universiade champions, FISU World University 3×3 champions, and other national 3×3 teams. In addition, the 5×5 student national team prepared here before earning bronze at the Universiade. Beyond basketball, the Lithuanian football team has also trained here, and the Lithuanian baseball team prepares for championships at this venue.
This summer, VMU athletes shone at the SELL Games, where the VMU delegation was the most successful among all Baltic universities in terms of medals won.
Meanwhile, at the EUSA European University Championships, VMU captured medals in three different sports: gold in men’s basketball, silver in women’s beach volleyball, and bronze in badminton. Currently, VMU ranks among the top three universities in Europe for total medals won.
All these achievements prove that today the VMU Sports Centre is much more than just a gym. It is a place where teams are built, champions are developed, and the future of Lithuanian sport is shaped. The university is becoming one of the cornerstone sports infrastructure hubs in the country – and this summer confirmed it once again.
