After a long hiatus, a wave of Canadian Lithuanian athletes is
returning to the World Lithuanian Sports Games, set to take place
this summer in Palanga.
More than 50 athletes from Canada are registered to compete—a
dramatic rise compared to recent years. And much of the credit
belongs to one woman: Onutė Stanevičius-Mills, a tireless community
leader and passionate advocate for sports and Lithuanian heritage
in Toronto.
This marks the largest Canadian Lithuanian delegation since
2009, when over 100 athletes participated in the Vilnius games.
Since then, numbers dwindled to just a handful. But this year, the
revival is real—and it’s personal.
A second-generation Canadian of Lithuanian descent, Onutė is a
well-known name in Toronto’s diaspora circles. She currently serves
as the Education Chair of the Canadian Lithuanian Community, is a
long-time board member of Toronto’s Aušra Sports Club, and is also
the local ambassador of the Vilties Bėgimas (Run of Hope), a
charitable race supporting Klaipėda’s oncology center.
“Sports have always been a part of my life,” says Onutė, who
studied mathematics and kinesiology and spent 25 years teaching
physical education and wellness at the high school level.
“Now I work with students with diverse learning needs. I think
about retirement—but not quite yet!”
Alongside her husband Jon (an English-Canadian), Onutė raised
two daughters, both involved in the Lithuanian community. Her
younger daughter Daiva will compete in the youth 3×3 basketball
tournament in Palanga.
Through Saturday catechism classes, youth mentorship, and 35
years of volunteer work with Aušra Sports Club—including 20 years
coaching women’s basketball—Onutė has worked to keep Lithuanian
culture alive through action and teamwork.
“Our parents always encouraged us to speak Lithuanian and stay
connected,” she recalls.
“From Hamilton’s parish to scout groups, summer camps, and
theater—our community life was full. Sport was just a natural
extension.”
This year, Onutė began rallying the community right after the
last diaspora sports festival in Druskininkai. At every
gathering—meetings, training sessions, school events, even church
masses—she promoted the idea of representing Canada in the 2025
games.
“We kept reminding everyone, everywhere: Let’s go together!”
“Vice Chairman of the World Lithuanian Community Laurynas
Misevičius was an incredible support. He answered all our
questions, helped with hotel bookings, and even encouraged the idea
of a ‘Canadian Village’ in Palanga.”
The result? Over 50 participants—and more are still
inquiring.
“Next time,” she laughs, “we might hit 100 again—just like
2009!”
The Canadian athletes represent a blend of generations,
including third and even fourth-generation Lithuanians. They’ll
compete in sports ranging from basketball, volleyball, and swimming
to table tennis, tennis, and billiards.
“Honestly, I’d bet Canada brings home gold in at least four
events,” she smiles.
“But more than that, it’s about connection. Some will explore
Lithuanian towns and heritage sites. For around twenty of them,
this will be their first time ever in Lithuania.”
As a long-time leader of Aušra Sports Club—founded by
Franciscans in 1955—Onutė speaks proudly of its growth. The club
now serves over 150 members from ages 3 to nearly 80, with weekly
practices in basketball, volleyball, table tennis, and tennis.
“Sport brings people together. Whether it’s about competition or
just the spirit of community, it builds pride, confidence, and
unity—especially for diasporas like ours.”
