LOK Youth Camp 'Personality Academy' Concludes in Valmiera
From June 7 to 14, the fifth youth camp 'Personības akadēmija' (Personality Academy) organized by the Latvian Olympic Committee (LOK) took place in Valmiera, gathering 60 active participants from the 'Sporto visa klase' project. The camp aimed to develop young people's skills through sports and creative activities, with inspiration from prominent Latvian figures.
Fifth 'Personality Academy' Brings Youth Together in Valmiera
From June 7 to 14, Valmiera hosted the fifth youth camp 'Personības akadēmija' (Personality Academy), organized by the Latvian Olympic Committee (LOK). The camp gathered 60 of the most active and determined participants of the project 'Sporto visa klase' from all over Latvia. Its goal was to improve young people's athletic and personal skills, including leadership and health awareness, in an educational and engaging way through sports and creative activities, with inspiration from professionals and well-known personalities.
Inspiration from Sports and Culture Figures
The first day of the camp focused on Olympic values, history, and well-being. Participants took part in an Olympic medal workshop with Aiga Paikena, Senator of the Latvian Olympic Academy, exercised with skeleton athlete Emīls Indriksons, and joined a tour of Valmiera led by Mayor Jānis Baiks. A special event was the screening of the film 'Tīklā. TTT leģendas dzimšana' followed by a talk with director Dzintars Dreibergs.
Mid-week, the young people embarked on outdoor adventures, including a challenging hike from Jānis Daliņš Stadium to the camping site 'Jaunarāji', canoeing, and a strategic 'Flag Game'. Media personality and singer Nansija Garkalne participated alongside them. The evening program featured 'Sudden Lights' lead singer Andrejs Reinis Zitmanis and a discussion on healthy relationships and personal boundaries led by Santa Kundziņa from the Youth Resource Centre.
Motto 'Believe, Everything is Possible'
The second half of the camp emphasized motivation and courage. Participants met with Guinness World Record holder and 'Sports Teacher of the Year 2025' Arvis Sprūde, who shared his experience on pushing limits. Cultural exploration sessions were held with AFS Latvia experts Maija Seņina and Mariam Shondy, and self-confidence workshops were conducted with MOT trainer Pēteris Maksimovs.
Sports activities continued with a basketball training session with 'Valmiera GLASS VIA' players Artis Ate and Dāvis Ozers, learning golf basics at the 'Avoti' club, and a visit to the BMX museum with Olympic and two-time U23 champion Veronika Monika Stūriška, who inspired the youth with a BMX ride and a talk on pursuing sports dreams. Relay races at the stadium tested speed and teamwork.
Final Day 'Ready for New Heights!'
The last day featured a challenge on Valmiera's Sajūtu taka (Sense Trail) and a meeting with beach volleyball player and three-time Olympian Aleksandrs Samoilovs, who stressed the importance of leadership. The closing event had a heartfelt atmosphere, with participants proud and joyful as they said goodbye to new friends. Parents expressed positive feedback about the camp's impact on their children's development.
The camp was implemented by LOK with support from the Ministry of Finance and the Ministry of Education and Science, using state budget funding from dividends paid by 'Latvijas Loto'. Supporters included Rimi, Akvedukts, Stelpe, Sportland, Moller Auto, and media partner 'Rīgas viļņi'.
