Sport

Alongside other social-cultural aspects of life in Germany during the DP period, sporting activities also took an important place.

In the fall of 1945 a Lithuanian exiles Physical Education and Sports Statute project was developed, which described the direction of sporting organization activities. The Lithuanian Sports Club Statutes were also developed, which were recommended to use in the creation of various sports clubs in camps. To coordinate various sports activities close to thirty sports clubs were set up. The most popular sport in the independent Lithuania and in 1945 – 1951 Germany DP camps was basketball – most athletes were gathered to play it. Matches were held between the Lithuanian camp's teams and also with other nations DP sports teams. Other popular sports – football, table tennis, boxing, athletics.

The Lithuanian sports delegation participated in 1945 and 1946 Baltic States sporting events. Significant efforts were made to gain the right to represent Lithuania in the 1946 4 th European basketball championships held in Switzerland. However, the efforts of basketball players and VLIK ( The Supreme Committee for the Liberation of Lithuania) gave no desired results. Although the Lithuanian team was not allowed to participate in the tournament, a special delegation was allowed to watch it.

After sports festival in Oberleningen Lithuanian DP, 1947
Pranas Nagys personal archive

Team-winner, captain of the gymnasium basketball team Pranas Nagys – second from the left side, Oberleningen Lithuanian DP, 1947
Pranas Nagys personal archive

Director of the 513 UNRRA group R.Maingeot Singer awards the captain Lithuanian gymnasium Pranas Nagys, Oberleningen Lithuanian DP, 1947
Pranas Nagys personal archive

Members of Niurtingen basketball team with famous Lithuanian educator Stasys Barzdukas (in the center), 1947
Pranas Nagys personal archive

Basketball match in Kempten Lithuanian DP camp
Lithuanian research and studies center (LTSC)

Seedorf Lithuanian DP camp football players after the mach with British soldiers
American Lithuanian Cultural archive (ALKA)

At a party of chess, Seedorf Lithuanian DP camp
American Lithuanian Cultural archive (ALKA)