The main topic of discussion was Lithuania’s National Stadium.
President Wirz shared his experiences of the construction of multi-sports facilities in Switzerland and Europe.
“Sports complexes are needed not only for professional athletes, but also for public employment, health, and to promote interest in all sports,' said President Wirz.
“The national stadium in Lithuania is an excellent project that can integrate various sports activities and be accessible to all, creating a higher social value for the project.
“We are glad to hear that Prime Minister Butkevičius supports such an idea of a complex for a number of sports.”
The issue of securing the future of athletics facilities was in the news last week when the council of the city of Hengelo voted unanimously against selling the FBK Stadion, home of the FBK Games.
European Athletics President Hansjörg Wirz and Sebastian Coe were among those who wrote letters to the municipality in support of retaining the athletics stadium.
President Wirz underlined the success of the multi-purpose Letzigrund stadium in Zurich, which was used during the 2008 European Championships in football and next year will host the European Athletics Championships.
Athletics Federation of Lithuania (LLAF) President Eimantas Skrabulis echoed President Wirz’s strong support:
'In Lithuania, a base is needed not only for athletics, but also in other sports.'
After his visit to the Lithuanian Government offices, President Wirz visited the Physical Education and Sports Department and met with Director General Clement Rimšelis.
The meeting focused on the development of sports infrastructure, and the existing problems and possible prospects of support for the National Stadium project.
Lithuania is an active Member Federation having hosted the European Athletics Team Championships 2nd League in Kaunas this year, with that city also hosting the 2009 European Athletics U23 Championships.