When the Gubernija brewery began operations in Šiauliai, basketball was not yet invented. But if people back then had thought of throwing a ball into a hoop, chances are the first players would have been Gubernija employees. Sport has always been part of the DNA of this historic company, which is celebrating its 360th anniversary this year. Today, Gubernija continues its traditions by supporting Šiauliai’s sports teams, allowing local talent to shine and represent the city at the highest level.

As early as the interwar period, Gubernija employees promoted Šiauliai and Lithuania as athletes. For example, Juozas Vinča Jr., who worked at the brewery, became the first Lithuanian boxer in Olympic history, competing for 5th–8th place at the 1928 Amsterdam Olympics. After the war, Gubernija employees founded a football team and participated in annual sports festivals.

Today, Gubernija also helps promote the city through sports, supporting various teams and helping them achieve victories that bring joy to all Šiauliai residents.

“Our brewery is inseparable from the city of Šiauliai and its community. Togetherness is one of our core values, and sport is one of the strongest forces that unites people. Supporting it is a natural decision for us,” says Gubernija Production Director Mindaugas Bistrickas.

More than just financial support

Šiauliai’s basketball club BC Šiauliai also appreciates having Gubernija as a partner. This year, the club welcomed experienced sports director Ginas Rutkauskas, appointed recently successful U20 Lithuanian national team coach Darius Songaila as head coach, and is building an ambitious team for the upcoming Lithuanian Basketball League season.

According to BC Šiauliai Marketing Director Irmantas Kukulskis, financial support from partners ensures stability in planning and strategizing for the season, allowing the club to focus on other important matters. But, he notes, it’s about more than just money.

“This partnership is more than financial support. Smiles and mutual understanding always accompany meetings with Gubernija people. This warmth and professionalism are an inseparable part of our cooperation,” says I. Kukulskis.

Gubernija Production Director M. Bistrickas also emphasizes that supporting Šiauliai is not just a financial contribution. The company supports various club activities and initiatives, invites the community to games, and contributes to the team and the whole city.

“Through our cooperation with the club, a genuine friendship has formed. Gubernija employees have become part of the sports community – they attend games, share the joy of victories, and support the team in tough times. This is a living connection, not just a formal commitment,” explains M. Bistrickas.

According to I. Kukulskis, over the years, this cooperation, based on such principles, has turned into a friendship built on trust, respect, and shared values:

“You could say that ‘Gubernija’ is an inseparable part of the club. And not just our club but the entire Šiauliai sports community.”

Consistency Above All

Gubernija supports not only BC’s men’s and women’s teams but also Šiauliai. The historic brewery also contributes to the victories of the rugby club Baltrex-Šiauliai, the women’s football club Gintra, and the Šiauliai Football Academy.

“Although investments in sports are often seen through a marketing lens, Gubernija’s approach is clear – this is, first and foremost, social responsibility. We believe that by supporting local sports initiatives, we contribute to building a healthier, more conscious, and more active society,” says M. Bistrickas.

He emphasizes that the best results come from consistency and continuity in both business and sports.

“As legendary Šiauliai basketball coach Antanas Sireika once said, character is the most important thing. This applies both on the court and in business. Sometimes victory is determined not by strength, but by the ability to work together and pursue a common goal,” notes the Gubernija Production Director.

While sport is an essential part of the company’s social responsibility, Gubernija also supports musical projects and cultural events and contributes to initiatives for children, students, mothers, and others in Šiauliai.