Abstract

The first sport event that gave impetus to activate sporting activities was held on July 13, 1919 thanks to the enthusiasts of the sport movement, while actions aimed at the strengthening of independence were not completed. Lithuanian Armed Forces were among the best organized governmental institutions during the period of the Republic establishment and thus it played the main role together with other enlightened persons of the nation in organizing sport. Soldiers, especially of higher rank, were enthusiasts of football, track and field events, boxing, they were also the initiators of the equestrian sport, and they held the first competition of Lithuanian riders in 1920. The initiative of individual soldiers was very significant in the creation of Lithuanian Sport Association (Lietuvos sporto sajunga – LSS), later the creation of Lithuanian Sport League, Lithuanian Physical Education Association (Lietuvos fizinio lavinimosi sajunga – LFLS) and other organizations. The first chairperson of the LSS was elected the Minister of National Defence Mjr. Dr. Pranas Sližys, the chairpersons of the LSL were officers of high ranks – Generals Vladas Nagevičius, Jonas Jurgis Bulota, Colonel Lieutenant Antanas Jurgelionis, the chairperson of LFLS was elected senior Lieutenant Steponas Darius and other. Thanks to the initiative of the Armed Forces the first stadium with good football pitch, running tracks and jumping sector was set out in Kaunas. The Armed Forces sport grew more active in the 15 July in 1924 when Lithuanian Army Sport Association (Lietuvos kariuomėnes sporto draugija – LKSD) was established. The primary aim of the Association was to support materially and morally Sport promotion among the soldiers. LKSD took care of the training of sport instructors, propagation of sport, published the first publications about track and field athletics, about particular sports - football, volleyball and other. The Input of Lithuanian Armed Forces to directly participate in the public life via physical education and sport is a significant phenomenon of all heritage of Lithuanian nation’s culture. Verf.-Referat