LSU students fascinated by the Euroleague Final Four tournament in Istanbul

  Lithuanian Sports University (LSU) students participated in the biggest event of the European club basketball, “Final Four Istanbul 2017” tournament, which was held in Istanbul, Turkey. Three students were offered the opportunity by LSU and the Ministry of Youth and Sports (Turkey). The Minister of Youth and Sports of Turkey Akif Çağatay Kılıç provided the students with the tickets to the Final Four events and competitions, and free accommodation in Istanbul. A well-known Turkish basketball coach Murat Didin took care of LSU students during the trip.

  “It is a golden age for Turkish basketball, as three Turkish teams are among the best eight European basketball teams, “Fenerbahce” to be mentioned as the one which has become the champion for the first time in the history of the club. Therefore, it is not surprising that the Euroleague Final Four tournament was held in Istanbul. I hope that LSU students gained great experience in one of the biggest events of European club basketball,” said LSU Vice-Rector for Development and Sport Mindaugas Balčiūnas.

  LSU students said that this series of events was not only great entertainment, but also a good chance to get acquainted with the work of organizers, referees and coaches and watch a basketball game. “The arena was impressive, and the Turkish fans were amazing, as they watched the match standing up. There were moments when we could feel vibration – the arena was trembling!” shared his experience Aurimas Bikulčis, a student of Sports Coaching. Aurimas mentioned that as a future coach, he was particularly interested in physical fitness trainers’ work, so he did not miss the chance to record the warm-up techniques on his phone.

  “The event was really well-organised. I observed the play of the best European teams and the coaches’ work. After the competition, we were excited to discuss each player’s individual performance,” said Mantas Skukauskas, a Master degree student of Tourism and Sports Management. During the trip, the students took the opportunity to visit the most famous museums in Istanbul, try Turkish food and get acquainted with the Turkish culture.

  Lithuanian Sports University regularly provides opportunities for students to become acquainted with the European and world basketball organizations, best clubs and their activities. Several years ago, LSU students were invited to go on internship to the European Headquarters of the National Basketball Association (NBA) in London, and watched the NBA All-Star Game in Toronto (Canada).