Strong values, consistency, and a long-term commitment to the sports community have delivered tangible results. The Gubernija brewery, managed by MV GROUP Production and for many years purposefully supporting various sports teams and initiatives in Šiauliai and across Lithuania, has received a significant award. At the Lithuanian Sports Management Awards, Gubernija was recognised as Sports sponsor of the year.

At the jubilee tenth Lithuanian Sports Management Awards, organised by the Lithuanian Sports Federations Union and held in Vilnius, representatives of MV GROUP Production were presented with a special sculpture created by sculptor Kęstutis Musteikis in recognition of Gubernija’s contribution to sports support. Retail and pharmacy chains were also honoured for their support of Lithuanian sport.

Gubernija was nominated for the award by the Šiauliai City Municipality. In submitting the nomination for Sports sponsor of the year, the municipality highlighted the company’s long-term and systematic support for sports organisations and initiatives not only in Šiauliai but throughout Lithuania, its contribution to preserving Šiauliai’s sports history, and its social responsibility.

“We are proud that the oldest company in our city remains not only part of Šiauliai’s history but also an active supporter of the community. Gubernija’s partnership with the world of sport reflects the true spirit of the city – when we move forward together, the whole city wins,” said Šiauliai Mayor Artūras Visockas.

Algirdas Čiburys, CEO of MV GROUP Production, says that recognition is always gratifying, especially when it acknowledges many years of work and a consistent strategic direction.

“Sport unites – it brings together communities, cities, and all of Lithuania. We are proud to contribute to strengthening this sense of unity by fostering community spirit through sport and by nurturing and developing talent. We see this award not only as recognition of our activities, but also as a commitment to continue the work we have started and to remain active members of the sports community,” says A. Čiburys.

Meanwhile, Darius Šaluga, President of the Lithuanian Sports Federations Union, notes that strong and long-term partnerships are the key to success in developing Lithuanian sport and achieving victories.

“Sport in Lithuania grows when it is supported by strong and responsible partners. Through consistent actions and long-term commitment, Gubernija has proven that Lithuanian capital businesses can be reliable pillars of the sports community. It is especially important that Lithuanian companies invest in our sport, its traditions, and its future, contributing to youth development and the strengthening of sports culture. The title of Sports sponsor of the year is a well-deserved and meaningful recognition,” says D. Šaluga.

The country’s oldest industrial brewery, Gubernija, supports a wide range of sports activities not only in the city and region of Šiauliai, but across Lithuania as a whole. It is a strategic partner of the Lithuanian Basketball League, giving basketball fans the opportunity to enjoy top-level competition. A particularly close partnership has been built with the local sports community – the Šiauliai men’s and women’s basketball teams – through both club sponsorship and the organisation of community-focused events.

Long-standing rugby traditions that Šiauliai is known for are nurtured together with the Baltrex-Šiauliai club. Gubernija’s support also contributes to the victories of Gintra, the multiple-time national women’s football champions, in Lithuania and abroad. Long-standing football traditions are further strengthened and the next generation of players is developed through support for the Šiauliai City Football Academy.

This year, the Lithuanian Sports Management Awards were held for the tenth time. The public and the selection committee recognised organisations and individuals who have made outstanding contributions to sport in categories such as Sports initiative of the year, Sports event of the year, Sports municipality of the year, Sports federation of the year, Sports manager of the year, Sports sponsor of the year, For contributions to Lithuanian sports science or medicine, and For contributions to Lithuanian sports management.