Lithuanians to have first ski race in Antarctica  

On 3 March, a group of 25 Lithuanians left Lithuania on the Antarctica 2011 expedition.

The expedition aims to glorify Lithuania’s name in the world and to commemorate the day of the restoration of Lithuanian independence, 11 March, in Antarctica. The expedition will include a ski race.

"The enigmatic continent of the world attracts people from different countries, of different ages and interests. Some of them have long ago wanted to visit the white continent, for others it is the journey of lifetime, and yet others see it as a great challenge that will make their life more exciting. For everyone, without exception, this is a great adventure and a way to leave their footprint in history,” said Algirdas Valantiejus, one of the organisers of the expedition to the Antarctic.

The organiser of the expedition is the Antarctic World Lithuanians’ Alpine Ski Association (PLKSA). It is, therefore, not surprising that most of the expedition members are veterans of this association: smart amateur skiers, boasting skiing experience on African, American, Australian, and Canadian mountains… Others are association newcomers with little experience, but a long lasting dream to visit Antarctica.

"The first time, I stood on my skis in Africa, and now this will be my first race in the Antarctic,” Egidijus Baškys commented on his participation in the ski expedition.

Meanwhile, the rugged skier Alvydas Platūkis said: "I’ve just got to be there.” Alvydas has already skied on all five continents. Antarctica to him is like Mecca to a Muslim, requiring at least one visit in a lifetime.

A third of the expedition members are women
A. Valantiejus did not expect that more than a third of the expedition members would be women. It was a pleasant surprise for him. According to him, women prefer warm countries. However, it appears that most of them simply love to travel, and warm countries are no surprise to them anymore. Therefore, they decided to dedicate a significant amount of money and go to the white continent.

Lithuanians of the world
Because expatriate Lithuanians decided to join the team, the expedition was named the World Lithuanians’ Expedition. Expatriate Lithuanians from Spain and Australia will join the main group in Argentina. They will meet with representatives of the expatriate Lithuanian community living in Buenos Aires.

Expedition to Antarctica will last 7-17 March 2011.