VILNIUS, January 29, 2021 - The Lithuanian Sports Journalists Federation (LSŽF), which unites almost 100 members, held its annual awards on January 26, 2021 to recognise colleagues, athletes and sports organisers, who drew attention to themselves with their outstanding achievements in a challenging year 2020. The awards were held virtually for the first time due to the coronavirus pandemic.

“Huge appreciation to everyone who contributed to this event. It’s a shame we could not do it in-person. Last year was very hard to us, sports journalists, full of challenges. Sports competitions and events were stopped, cancelled or postponed and we, nevertheless, had to fill the news. But it was a good lesson, we learned a lot from this pandemic. Congratulations to all the winners and nominees. I hope the situation will get better and we will have a chance to interact face to face,” said Tautvydas Vencevičius, president of LSZF.

President of the Lithuanian Olympic Committee Daina Gudzinevičiūtė, Minister of Education, Science and Sports of the Republic of Lithuania Jurgita Šiugdžinienė, Vice-Minister Linas Obcarskas, President of Lithuanian Sports Federation Union Rimantas Kveselaitis and Rector of Lithuanian Sports University Diana Reklaitienė also participated in the online Zoom event.

“It was hard for everybody last year. For us, for athletes. Everybody was living in uncertainty. But most of all I sympathize with you, for it is very difficult to speak and write about things that are not happening. All of us learned to work in a different way, to plan our tasks when many things are not understandable. Many journalists ask me 'what is going to be next?' I think, the strongest will always win. Those who will adapt best. It is so good we have an opportunity to honour the best,” said Ms. Gudzinevičiūtė.

As usual, five awards were handed to sports journalists and five to sportsmen and sports representatives. The most important journalism awards are named in memory of late sports journalists, Roma Grinbergienė and Aleksandras Krukauskas and are awarded for the Most Interesting Work and Lifetime Achievements.

The Roma Grinbergienė Award for the most outstanding work in sports journalism in 2020 was presented to LRT TV journalist Brigita Virbalytė-Dimšienė, who is also a member of Lithuanian Olympic Team.

Brigita, who is also a professional race walker, joined the awards event from a training camp in faraway Dominican Republic, where she is preparing for her third Olympic Games.

“I am really surprised, I really didn’t expect to receive the award. I'm very happy. The past year has been difficult. You know, I have two passions - sports and sports journalism. But last year, I paid a lot of attention to journalism to make up for my lost Olympics. First of all, I would like to thank my LRT colleagues who have been suffering from my camps for six weeks now, who have taught me a lot, who support me. I really like being on both sides of the barricade. I really know that sports journalism will be my number one in the future,” said the Best Sports Journalist of 2020.

While the Aleksandras Krukauskas Award was presented to long-time BNS news agency sports editor Virginijus Razmantas for his immense dedication to sports journalism.

LRT journalist Rytis Kazlauskas received the Mindaugas Barysas Award for the Most Interesting Publication, a three-piece story about former European basketball champion Mykolas Ruzgas.

TV3 news portal reporter Mažvydas Laurinaitis was named the Best Young Sports Journalist and received the Saulius Award. Laurinaitis was also recognised at the AIPS Sport Media Awards 2019 ceremony in February 2020, where he won the Young Reporter - Writing category.

The LSZF award for the Best Photo was handed to photographer Elvis Žaldaris for his picture of Vilnius Žalgiris football player Mantas Kuklys saluting fans across the fence in times of pandemic.

Each year, the LSZF awards not only the best and most outstanding members of its community, but also sportsmen, event organisers and leaders. Most Interesting Interviewee award went to new Bulgarian champions Razgrad Ludogorec football coach, Valdas Dambrauskas.

Utena Juventus Basketball Club coach Žydrūnas Urbonas received The Best Quote award for his phrase: “I spent less time with my five than with these men. Together with them we take shower naked twice a day. They were absolutely worthy of the final four (of Lithuanian Basketball Cup).”

Cycling project Giro d’ItaLIETUVA won The Best Initiative award. Cyclists Justas Beniušis and Denas Masiulis completed the whole distance of Giro d‘Italia (3600 km) during quarantine in May.

Basketball tournament Hoptrans 3x3 last summer was named the Sports Event of the year.