The UIM is pleased to present an in-depth interview with Matas Kvizikevicius, Vice-President of the Lithuanian Motorboat Federation and Coordinator of the new UIM Youth Development Academy in Lithuania, discussing the exciting journey and future prospects of Formula Future in Lithuania.
“We are thrilled to share the exciting journey we've started with Formula Future as our main focus. Our first training course has already begun, marking the start of a promising year. Just two weeks ago, we held our first Formula Future competition, which was a great success and highlighted the talents of our young pilots. This event also served as a qualifier for the Formula Future World Championship (FF WC) in Latvia, scheduled for late next month.
Looking ahead, our next big event is an open Formula Future race on July 14th. We invite everyone to join us!
Our main goals are:
- Popularizing the Sport: We are dedicated to raising awareness and interest in powerboating through community events, open races, and educational programs. Our goal is to make powerboating accessible and appealing to a wider audience, inspiring more young people to get involved in this exciting sport.
- Encouraging a Competitive Spirit: We want to instill a sense of healthy competition and sportsmanship, motivating our athletes to push their limits and do their best. Additionally, we aim to create a supportive and vibrant community where athletes can share their experiences, learn from one another, and build lasting friendships.
- Promoting Safety and Technical Skills: Safety is our top priority. We stress the importance of safety rules and technical skills to ensure our young athletes are well-prepared for the challenges of powerboating.
To achieve these goals, we regularly organize "open door days" where we invite children aged 6-18 to try motorsport for free. These events offer a unique opportunity for young enthusiasts to experience the sport and spark their interest in powerboating.
In addition to practical training, we also offer theory lessons, teaching kids about the environment, technical aspects of the sport, and more. This well-rounded approach ensures our athletes are knowledgeable and prepared.
From July 19-21, we will host a three-day open motorboat camp, where we will combine all elements of our training program. This intensive camp will cover practical skills in different disciplines and theoretical knowledge, providing a comprehensive training experience.
Moreover, we are gradually including training in the JetSurf class, a discipline that is quickly gaining popularity in Lithuania. Our program also features training with GT10 and GT15 boats, which serve as a step up for pilots after they gain initial experience with Formula Future.
Looking forward to 2024 and 2025, we are committed to expanding our training programs and events, continuously improving and adapting to the needs of our young athletes. Our vision is to build a strong community of skilled and passionate powerboating athletes who will represent their regions on international stages and inspire the next generation of motorsport fans worldwide.”
Pictures by Mindaugas Nacevicius Photography