A series of winter sports events held on January 17 and 18 within SnowPower project brought together local communities in Visaginas, Lithuania, and Daugavpils, Latvia, encouraging active lifestyles, family participation, and enjoyment of winter tourism opportunities across the region.
On January 17, a cross-country ski trail opening event took place in the forest area behind the Visaginas Engineering and Technology Training Centre. The event gathered city residents and visitors for an active and meaningful winter day and marked the opening of a renovated ski trail now available for public use.
The event, held from 11:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m., attracted participants of all ages—from experienced skiers to those trying cross-country skiing for the first time. Visitors had the opportunity to ski on the renewed trail, learn the basics of skiing, communicate with fellow outdoor enthusiasts, and enjoy time outdoors in a friendly and welcoming atmosphere. The event highlighted the importance of accessible winter sports infrastructure, project’s main activities and community involvement in promoting active leisure.
The following day, on January 18, the event “Active Together” took place at the Dzintariņš sports facility in Daugavpils. The event welcomed both city residents and guests, offering a diverse program of sports and winter tourism activities suitable for the whole family.
The event turned into a true celebration of winter sports and active recreation, promoting physical activity, healthy lifestyles, and meaningful leisure time. Special attention was given to inclusivity, ensuring participation for everyone regardless of age, experience, or physical fitness level.
The program included presentation of project SnowPower results, competitions for professional athletes, engaging relay races, and sports activities for children and families. Before the sporting activities began, participants warmed up together with the Daugavpils Zumba dance group “Zumba Queenz”, led by Margarita Začiņajeva, creating an energetic and motivating atmosphere.
One of the central highlights of the event was the People’s Ski Race, in which participants aimed to complete as many laps as possible within two hours on a 2.7 km track. Around 50 participants took part. The youngest skier completed three laps, while the most active participant completed eleven laps. A family team jointly completed thirteen laps, demonstrating strong family unity and an active approach to winter recreation. At the end of the event, awards were presented to the top lap achievers in the women’s and men’s categories, along with surprise prizes in various nominations, recognizing not only sporting achievements but also enthusiasm and perseverance.
These events clearly demonstrated the strong and lasting influence of the project, showing how targeted investments and cross-border cooperation can translate into real, accessible infrastructure, high community engagement, and increased interest in winter sports. The outcomes achieved in Visaginas and Daugavpils provide a solid foundation for the long-term use of winter tourism facilities and continued promotion of active, healthy lifestyles across the region.
