Cooperation around the South Baltic Sea

In connection to the fall of the Berlin Wall, new possibilities for cooperation with the countries around the Baltic Sea opened up. With the opportunity to travel between Poland and Lithuania, exchange opportunities increased. Since sport is universal it became an area that developed between the countries.

Cooperation around the South Baltic Sea

Since the beginnig, Karlskrona, the chairman of the Sports and Leisure Committee or equivalent, has been the Vice-Chair of the UBC Commission on Sport.

Karlskrona promote contacts and relations between the member cities in the area. Youth targeted events have been organized. While only a sport was in focus at first, there are now also public health-oriented activities in the Commission's program.

In 2010, Karlskrona arranged a large event for both the Nordic and Baltic countries in the 20^th anniversary of the fall of the Berlin Wall. 100 young people came to Karlskrona and showed off their skills, participated in the festivities and joint development work.

Over the years, regular meetings have been held by associations in different sports. The meetings have been supported by the municipality of Karlskrona and also by the clubs and the youth that have helped to make them possible.

Examples of activities being currently carried out are: the Twin Cities Sporting Competition in Gdynia, Lyckå Cup in Karlskrona and Robertas Poska Cup in Klaipėda. Many other associations participate in the exchange between the cities. The exchange is partly supported by coordinating and initiating operations of the Sports and Leisure Department, but also by the associations. The Sports and Leisure Department is a link between countries, communities and associations.