Jēkabpils recently wrapped up the final stage of the “Forget the Winter” series, a seasonal initiative by the youth movement Ghetto Games, bringing together young people and sports enthusiasts in a celebration of activity and community. The program, designed to combat the winter doldrums, underscored a growing recognition of the vital link between physical activity and mental well-being, particularly among youth.
The “Forget the Winter” series isn’t just about keeping active during colder months; it’s about building connections and providing a positive outlet for young people, according to Raimonds Elbakjans, founder of Ghetto Games. “When we were choosing cities where events could seize place, we looked at both the infrastructure and how active the local youth are,” Elbakjans explained. “I’ve always felt that Jēkabpils has particularly proactive young people with a high level of initiative.” This sentiment highlights the organization’s focus on identifying and supporting communities where youth engagement is already strong, amplifying existing energy rather than creating it from scratch.
A Multi-Sport Festival in Jēkabpils
The Jēkabpils event offered a range of competitive opportunities, with young athletes participating in basketball and football tournaments across five different age groups. Beyond the competition, the festival atmosphere was a key draw, with participants and spectators alike praising the energy and camaraderie. “Remarkably good atmosphere, We find fans, good teams and players. It’s intriguing,” said Ričards, a footballer from Balvi. Rodrigo, a basketball player from Rēzekne, echoed this sentiment, stating, “The atmosphere, yes, at Ghetto Games events is always the best. Ghetto Games is the best event for young people, especially those who want to play sports.”
The event wasn’t solely focused on athletic competition. Supporters and friends were actively involved, creating a vibrant social environment. “We support the others, and we likewise motivate ourselves to participate in the games,” said Aivija, a resident of Jēkabpils. Her friend, Aleksandra, added, “I can also add that we build new friends here, because there are so many people.” This emphasis on social connection is a core tenet of the Ghetto Games philosophy, recognizing that sports can be a powerful catalyst for building community.
Beyond the Game: Addressing Mental Health
The “Forget the Winter” series also incorporated a focus on mental health, a growing concern among young people. Recognizing the interconnectedness of physical and mental well-being, organizers provided resources and opportunities for participants to address their emotional needs. Attendees could complete self-reflection tests, speak with peers for support, and even consult with a therapist. Aiga Gavare, a Gestalt therapist present at the event, noted that the require for such support is increasingly evident. “What we notice here is also confirmed by statistics – anxiety, worry, signs of depression, difficulty coping with problems,” Gavare said. “This is shown by both global and European studies, and we feel it here too.”
This proactive approach to mental health was further supported by the involvement of the Children’s Protection Center, which implemented a project aimed at identifying at-risk behaviors and providing timely support. “We often see that children and young people find it difficult when they are alone with their problems,” explained Liene Kauliņa-Bandere, Deputy Head of the Children’s Protection Center. “If they see friends or like-minded people here, it’s nice that we can pull them out of the house or out of the complicated things they are thinking about and listen to them.”
Looking Ahead: Continued Growth and a New Documentary
Ghetto Games plans to continue the “Forget the Winter” series next year, expanding its reach to other cities across Latvia. The organization will return to Jēkabpils on May 30th with a larger-scale event. “We will be outdoors – we will have basketball, floorball and football,” Elbakjans said. “I suppose there should also be fights – it was an interesting experience last year. It’s a kind of mini-festival.”
Beyond the live events, Ghetto Games is also expanding its reach through film. In April, the organization will release a documentary titled “Jo dzīve ir batls” (Life is a Battle), which explores the world of freestyle rap improvisation. This project demonstrates Ghetto Games’ commitment to fostering creativity and self-expression alongside athletic pursuits.
The success of “Forget the Winter” in Jēkabpils, and the broader mission of Ghetto Games, underscores the importance of accessible, community-based initiatives that prioritize both physical activity and mental well-being. As the organization continues to grow, its impact on Latvian youth is likely to become even more significant. For those interested in learning more about Ghetto Games and its upcoming events, information can be found on their official website: https://www.ghetto.lv/.
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