Zalgiris Kaunas players will help the victims of Balkan floods 0

Zalgiris Kaunas players are joining the initiative of Euroleague Basketball as they were touched by the disaster that shook Serbia and Bosnia and Herzegovina. The magnitude of the floods in Balkan region shocked Lithuanian champions, so they decided to help the victims with personal donations.

Huge floods devastated Bosnia and Herzegovina, Serbia and the surrounding regions recently. The heavy rainfall and the following floods killed at least 50 persons, while hundreds are still missing and tens of thousands were forced to flee their homes.

“Our team has played this season in Belgrade and now we can see that instead of basketball Pionir arena is full of thousands of mattresses, which has to be used by people left homeless. This striking image and the damage done to cities, villages and people moved our hearts and we could not stay indifferent to the situation. We decided to contribute to the initiative and help the Balkan region” – on behalf of the team said Zalgiris center Robertas Javtokas.

In solidarity with the victims of the flooding Euroleague Basketball has announced targeted donations to the area and activated its communications channels to encourage fans around Europe to help, too. The call for help was also composed by Partizan and Crvena Zvezda clubs. Both Belgrade teams have visited Zalgiris arena this season.

The letter by Partizan club pointed out that Serbia has experienced the evacuation of nearly 25 000 people.

“Many of the victims are without drinking water, electricity and communication, people lost their homes, villages and complete infrastructure is ruined. In response to the disastrous floods in Serbia, people in our country are trying to help those who are directly affected. We can show that basketball community can make a difference and that we all are at the same side – One Team with different colors, but the same goal. Let’s win this match together!” – the letter by Partizan Belgrade club said.

While being in the midst of Lithuanian League final series Zalgiris Kaunas players found the time and answered the call for help. The Lithuanian champions also encourage the rest of the European basketball family to act as One Team in helping those affected by this disaster.