Who We Are
- Pickleball Lithuania is the governing body of pickleball in Lithuania.
- The Lithuanian Pickleball Federation is a member of the International Pickleball Federation (IFP).
- Founded in 2021, Pickleball Lithuania is a non-profit organization supported by volunteers and professionals dedicated to its mission.
Board
Prezident – Svajūnas Masilionis
- Born, raised, and started a family in Panevėžys. Moved to Chicago in 1996.
- Owner of the Chicago-based logistics company “Unlimited Group.”
- Since arriving in the US, he has actively participated in the sports activities of the Lithuanian diaspora. Founder of the Chicago Lithuanian basketball and soccer leagues. He leads the non-profit organization Chicago Youth Foundation “Žalgiris,” which supports Lithuanian sports projects in the diaspora.
- In November 2020, the World Lithuanian Center in Lemont, Chicago, began inviting compatriots to play pickleball.
- 2020 Lapkričio mėn. Pasaulio lietuvių centras Lemonte, Čikagoje, pradėjo kviesti tautiečius pažaisti piklbolą.
- Following significant interest, the Lithuanian Pickleball Federation was established in the summer of 2021.
Mantas Paulauskas
- Born, raised, and started a family in Vilnius.
- From 2011 to 2021, he led the institution VšĮ “Sveikas miestas”;
- Founder of one of the first extreme sports clubs in Lithuania “Iksas”;
- Founder of Ulf Even Aikido center;
- Founder of the tennis club for people with disabilities and the Lithuanian Sports Association for the Disabled;
- Member of the Lithuanian National Ski Association “LNSA” snowboard and freestyle skiing committee since 2010 and the association’s general secretary;
- In 2013, awarded a commemorative medal for contributions to Vilnius municipality;
- In 2013, best sports director of 2013 Vilnius city events;
- In 2013, received gratitude from the director of Vilnius city municipality administration for excellent work and active participation in organizing Vilnius Sports Fair 2013.
Founders
• Matas Niparas • Evaldas Ambrazaitis • Arnoldas Blinstrubas • Edvinas Balčiūnas • Deividas Kačinauskas •
Mission
To introduce, support, and promote the sport of pickleball to people across Lithuania and the world.
Main Activities:
- Pickleball promotion
- Providing tutorials and conducting seminars for players, coaches, and officials
- Informing the Lithuanian Pickleball community about the development of the sport
- Organizing tournaments and other competitions
- Developing Pickleball infrastructure in Lithuania
According to the short history guidelines of the official Pickleball rulebook, Pickleball was invented in 1965 on Bainbridge Island, near Seattle, Washington. Three men, Joel Pritchard, Bill Bell, and Barney McCallum, are recognized as the creators of the game. Pickleball has evolved from original handmade equipment and simple rules to become a popular sport worldwide. The Lithuanian Pickleball Federation joined the International Pickleball Federation in 2021.
Pickleball is a rapidly growing paddle sport that combines elements of tennis, badminton, and table tennis. It is fast-paced, easy to learn, and incredibly fun to play due to the long rallies that occur during the game. Pickleball is most commonly played as a doubles match. Singles matches are also very popular and provide players looking for greater challenges with an exciting experience.