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Back in 2011 Peter Kazickas spent his summer in Zimbabwe volunteering with "Hoops 4 Hope" program that teaches kids life skills through basketball. He was so inspired that when in 2014 he suggested to create a similar program in Lithuania, many people jumped right in. “Basketball Power” made its debut in twelve Day Centers across the small towns and suburbs in Lithuania in the Spring of 2015. Today, 11 inspiring coaches from Capital Basketball School (Sostinės Krepšinio Mokykla) of Vilnius, Lithuania with a help from specialists, visit over 300 children every week.

“Many of the youth in Lithuania suffer from depression, alcoholism, and don't have any positive figures in their lives to look up to or go to for support,” shares Peter’s cousin, Alex Kazickas. “Knowing that basketball is a huge sport in Lithuania (and also one of my family's favorite sports) we wanted to create a program for these children to have a role model work with them and help them with their struggles through basketball. We've already seen so many success stories from this program, and it could not be done without the hard work and dedication of the coaches and everyone involved in the program.”

Alex’s cousin Augie Kazickas agrees that “Basketball Power fills a need in Lithuania because it gives kids from all backgrounds the opportunity to play and have fun. Andrius Cerskus and Arminas Vareika have done incredible jobs leading the program and it really wouldn't be possible without them. It's a lot of fun to see the kids and the coaches doing different kinds of activities together, not just basketball. Sometimes they're playing soccer, sometimes they do activities in the community, other times they celebrate holidays together. That's what the program is really about, putting great role models and kids together. Only good things can come from that.”

The goal is to create a program that uses basketball as a tool for personal development, encourages kids to give back to their country and fellow citizens by taking on a more socially responsible initiative, and stressing the values of education and strong morals; to teach kids about the rich history of Lithuania, what it means to be free, and the instumental role basketball played in independence.

“Our vision for Basketball Power is to create an environment that helps the less fortunate youth of Lithuania overcome issues of depression and alcoholism. The program has been very successful and there are still many other children we can reach. We've partnered with many organizations from the NBA to CAF America, and I hope we continue to build partnerships with organizations working towards similar goals,” adds Alex.

Dr. Joseph Kazickas had a special bond with his grandchildren. “Once he said to me: A good man is a happy man. It’s the key. Everyone wants to be happy, that’s why one has to do good. It’s simple and great advice,” Peter shares back in 2014. “Maybe my grandfather didn’t even understand how much it would affect me. He valued people. He never forgot their names. He never considered anyone to be lower than him. He was very humble and loving. He valued life. My grandfather taught me to be humble, kind, not to think that I am better than others, to be an optimist. I am trying to be at least a little bit like him.” Dr. J.Kazickas did not encourage his children to follow in his footsteps and to be businessmen. The Kazickas family members who were reaching any goals were being encouraged and given advice. That’s how he raised his children and how they raised theirs. “Our parents never opposed our ideas no matter how crazy they were. They only advised us how to make them happen. There are no bad ideas. There is nothing that you couldn’t achieve,” assured Peter, “but they always encouraged us to do good, to help others and to share what you have.”

Dr. Joseph Kazickas instilled these values and love for Lithuania in his children and grandchildren who grew up in the U.S.

“My grandparents have always emphasized the importance of helping others,” adds Alex. “While they both were extremely successful in their lives, they had very difficult times prior to arriving to the United States. Both made it a priority to give back not just to Lithuania, but to those who were struggling and less fortunate. My grandfather wanted nothing more than for his children and grandchildren to continue to give and make it part of who we are.”

“The purpose of “Basketball Power” is to raise a healthy, self confident, life loving individual. We want children with mental disabilities to get involved. In Lithuania, there isn’t much talk about them. ” Peter explains. His grandfather taught his children and grandchildren to love and to share, and Peter, Augie and Alex hope to pass on these family values to children through the project.  One could work in Wall Street and trade stocks, earn a lot of money, but he always had to remember his responsibility as a citizen”, Peter shares his grandfather’s thoughts.

Top photo: Peter Kazickas, Augie Kazickas, Rytis Kazlauskas and Alex Kazickas with programs kids

Photos: S. Cirba