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Barcelona (Spain) was hosting Cerebral Palsy International Sports and Recreation Association (CPISRA) Games where 600 athletes from 30 different countries participated. For the first time Lithuania was represented by Andrejus Novakovas who trains in a brand new discipline in Lithuania - Race Running.

According to the Games' organizers, international competition is a motivation to the athletes to seek for even bigger accomplishments and try to participate in the Paralympic Games. Athletes compete in track and field, football, race running, swimming, archery, table tennis, sitting volleyball, paratriathlon and many more. Participants must be 14 years or older.

Race running is a brand new discipline in Lithuania that Mazeikiai Cerebral Palsy Association and Activities Center "Eik" have been developing for the last few years. Lithuanian Race runners sports association seeks to unite and support all communities interested in the Race running and active recreation. Five years ago Lithuanian Sports Federation for the Disabled came up with an idea about introducing Lithuania to the Race running. It was born in Denmark 23 years ago. Special equipment used for the Race running was developed to help people with cerebral palsy. People who have hard time moving around, but can use some support of their legs, use such equipment. Last February Race running was added to the list of Paralympic Games sports disciplines. According to the president of Lithuanian Race Runners Association Ausra Kriskovieciene, hopefully we'll be able to see it at the Paralympic Games 2024.

A. Novikovas has been practicing race running for the last couple of years few times a week. " I didn't expect such high level of competition, but realized how much more work I need to do," says Andrejus. A. Novikovas competed in the disability category RR1 and was 6th in the 100 meter running.

It was the first such important competition for the Lithuanian athlete. Andrejus lives with cerebral palsy since his childhood and usually moves around in a wheelchair. With some help of others or a walker he can move just very short distances. He has never trained for anything before. After seeing the accomplishments of others, Andrejus understands that in order to win he needs to work even harder. He's not certain if his health will allow him to reach for that win. However, according to A. Novikovas, sport or any physical activity is really useful to everyone, especially to the disabled people. During his training, his muscles grew stronger and his endurance increased. He often encourages his friends to work out and train, but it's not available to all. You not just need the finances, but also support and help of another person that always needs to be by your side. Not everyone has such opportunity.

According to A. Kriskovieciene, participation at such high rank competition was extremely useful. "Other countries were sharing their experience about the Race running development, we saw how others were training and now we now what needs to be done. It's a great base for us to grow and develop," says Andrejus' coach. According to her, interest in the Race running is high and Andrejus' example will lead to many more people training and leading active lives.

Currently, Activities Center "Eik" in Vilnius and Mazeikiai Cerebral Palsy Association have such equipment. Kaunas, Alytus, Klaipeda disabled are also interested in this sport. According to A. Kriskovieciene, you can start race running at the parks or city bicycle paths, but for more serious training stadium is a necessity. "We hope that City Municipalities and sports organizations will support this sport and will help people with disabilities to integrate into active recreation and sports live," shares A. Kriskovieciene.

Coach is extremely grateful to all the supporters for this opportunity to participate at the Games. She hopes that Race running will get more and more popular in Lithuania - it's an amazing way of rehabilitation.

 Photos: Courtesy of the Lithuanian Race Runners Association