11th of December, 2013 is dedicated to commemorate the re-establishment of Lithuanian National Olympic Committee (LNOC) as it happened 25 years ago. During this period Olympians of Lithuania did anchor themselves among the supreme nations worldwide that participate in Olympic Movement, and Lithuania sport professionals are valued by Olympic organizations of European as well as on the world level. These sport persons are frequently asked to become members in different commissions and leading organizations. However, looking at historical perspective, to re-establish Lithuanian National Olympic Committee on the evening of 11th December, 1988 was easier than to gain the recognition by IOC and be rejoined into the Olympic family. Each of the three Baltic States endeavoured together for this to become a reality. 18th September, 1991 was the day when International Olympic Committee session had welcomed the Olympic Committees of Lithuania, Latvia, and Estonia (de facto) to re-join the Olympic family and participate in the Olympic Games. Though, recognition de jure in rush (under the written IOC members’ agreement) was decreed on 11th November, 1991, but on this historical date – 18th September – LNOC was the very first Lithuanian organization to be officially accredited by international organization. Lithuanian Olympic sport represents gathered immeasurable experience, deep traditions, also is a part of the modern culture and the memory of the nation. Today sport, Olympism, and Olympic education inspire new thoughts, fresh ideas, striving for innovations, persistent willingness to learn. We are being led into the Olympic sport level by scientific researches, historically analysed sport facts, arguments, and, of course, scientific approach.

Olympic movement since the very first Lithuanian athletes’ entering sport competitions is rich with various turning points, periods, and dates. Sport of independent Lithuania started in 1918, after the reestablishment of Lithuania State, and, before 1940 had started, the genuine sport capital was gathered that was the basis for further sport development. Physical education, sport organization, and its propaganda reached peak at that time when the first sport organization of independent Lithuania – Lithuanian Sports Union – was founded in 1919 (one of the founders was Stepas Garbačiauskas – eminent sport organizer, Lithuanian sport initiator) and in 1922 Lithuanian Sports League was established as the supreme physical education and sport institution in Lithuania that represented the country and dealt with sport in international organizations. Namely Lithuanian Sports League (LSL) became competent National Olympic Committee that communicated to International Olympic Committee and the Olympic Games organizing committees after it sent athletes to participate in Paris (1924) and Sankt Moritz (Swiss) Winter Olympics and Amsterdam (1928) Olympic Games. Year 1932 was the focus of sport movement reform: Physical Education Law was adopted, the management of sports movement was delegated to the Physical Education Palace (PEP) under the Ministry of Education. Distinctive physical education system did revitalize Lithuanian Sport Movement (the 1st Lithuanian National Olympiad was organized in 1938, Lithuanian shooters won silver and bronze medals in 1937 and 1939 at the World championships, basketball players became European champions in 1937 and 1939, vice-champions – in 1938, international victories of table tennis players and high sport results of other athletes were eminent at that time as well). Sport level of our country gained international recognition. Historic break started in 1940, when Lithuania was occupied and the essence of Lithuanian sport was destroyed, the break on the world context was 1951, when, in 46th session of International Olympic Committee (IOC) in Vienna, Olympic organizations of Lithuania, Latvia, and Estonia were deleted from its list and USSR became their representative. Even though, in the Olympic Games during the period 1952–1988 Lithuanian athletes could not represent their country, they managed to achieve important results as included to USSR teams. Lithuanian National Olympic Committee (LNOC) was re-established in congress with sport federations, organizations and public representatives on 11 December, 1988. Executive Committee of IOC in its meeting in Berlin on 18 September, 1991 announced re-establishment of Lithuania, Latvia, and Estonia Olympic committees rights. LNOC de jure was recognized on 11 November, 1991 and very soon, on February 1992, after forced 64 years break, Lithuanian athletes participated in Albertville Winter Olympic Games and in July – in XXV Barcelona Games. Lithuanian athletes won six gold, five silver, and ten bronze medals. The most successful Olympic games for Lithuania through the whole history was in London (five – two gold, one silver, and two bronze – medals were won, 12 more athletes and national basketball team took 4-8 places, unofficially Lithuania was 34th among other countries). However, London Games are already a history and Rio de Janeiro Olympic clock is ticking now. Sport history has to be written further and filled in with future Olympic Games winnings.