Algina Marija Vilčinskienė, a coach at Klaipėda Athletics School whose life has been tied to athletics for more than six decades, is retiring. It is a special occasion to thank a person whose love of sport, care for young athletes and many years of work have inspired more than one generation of athletes.
Her life story is not only a story of sport. As a child, Algina Marija and her family were deported to Siberia. Despite the painful trials of fate, she never lost her determination to pursue her dreams. Sport became her strength, and perseverance opened the way back to Lithuania, to studies at the then Lithuanian Institute of Physical Education and to a professional path she devoted to athletics.
A talented shot putter herself – four-time Lithuanian shot put champion and national record holder – Algina Marija soon began passing on her experience to the younger generation. Arriving in Klaipėda in 1962, she began her coaching career here and for many years trained athletes, becoming the first sports teacher for many of them.
Yet her work as a coach was never limited to training sessions alone. She taught self-belief and nurtured responsibility, patience, respect for work and perseverance. Many of her trainees remember not only the demanding sessions, but also her sincere care, encouraging words and ability to see the person.
Even in her advanced years Algina Marija remained faithful to sport. She actively competed in masters competitions, became a medallist and record holder at Lithuanian, European and World masters championships, and inspired those around her with her energy and joy of life. She has often said that movement and sport keep a person young – and she confirmed those words by her own example throughout her life.
Dear Algina, thank you for your many years of work, the knowledge you passed on, your care for young athletes and your love of athletics. Over the years you have raised more than one generation of athletes, and through your work, responsibility and dedication you have earned the respect of athletes, parents and colleagues. We wish you good health, many beautiful moments with your loved ones, peace and joy in the new stage of your life.