The “OMG Bubble Tea Champion Scholarship” is starting – a project designed not only to introduce children to surfing but also to find those who have the potential to achieve high sports mastery.
In the first stage of the initiative, two children aged 11–14 will be selected – a girl and a boy. They will be given a scholarship, regular training, and all the necessary equipment so they can consistently prepare for competitions and strive for the highest results.
However, the organizers emphasize – this is not a one-year campaign or a one-time competition. The goal is to create a system that helps spot talented children early and nurture them so that their potential can turn into real sports achievements.
“In Lithuania, we have many physically strong, coordinated, brave children who may never have even thought about surfing. We want to find them. And once found – not just give them the chance to surf a few times, but create a path for them in sports,” say the project organizers.
Looking not for the best surfers today, but those with potential
In the “OMG Bubble Tea Champion Scholarship” selection, the result on the wave will not be the only or even the most important criterion. Equal opportunities will be given to both a child who has already tried surfing and one who will stand on a surfboard for the first time. Coaches will observe the children’s physical fitness, coordination, reaction, ability to learn, listen to the coach, motivation, and perseverance.
“We are interested in the moment when you see that a child has something more. Maybe they don’t yet know how to stand on a surfboard but learn very quickly. Maybe they fall ten times and the eleventh time get even more motivated. Technique can be taught. Character, motivation, and sports hunger are much harder to develop,” says Lukas Dzedulionis, sports director of citywave Vilnius.
From the first training to competitions
The selected children will regularly train in the “OMG Bubble Tea Surf and Skate Club” children’s group, where surfing is combined with skateboarding training and general physical preparation.
They will be provided with all the necessary training equipment and a personal surfboard. Together with citywave coaches, the children will learn not only technique but also what it means to train purposefully, prepare for competitions, accept failures, and strive for higher results.
The first stage of the scholarship will last one year, but the project’s ambition does not end there.
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“We see this as a long-term talent development program. We want to monitor the children’s progress, set them increasingly challenging goals, provide opportunities to compete, and if we see potential, help them move forward. Our dream is to one day see children who started their journey here representing Lithuania in high-level international competitions,” say the project organizers.
“OMG Bubble Tea”: an investment in young talent
“Children dream without limits – limits are more often created by a lack of opportunities or belief in them. ‘OMG’ means to us the moment when you discover what truly ignites you and dare to believe you can achieve more. For one child, it will be the first time standing on a surfboard, for another – the first victory, and maybe for someone – the start of the road to the world championship. Our vision is not only to give children the chance to try this sport but also to nurture their motivation, talent, and self-belief. We want the first ‘OMG’ moment to eventually become their greatest victory – and that one day we can be proud of champions who bring fame to Lithuania in the world surfing arena,” says Viltė Zubaitė, OMG Marketing, Partnerships, and Events Manager.
Ambition – to grow a new generation of Lithuanian surfers
Surfing in Lithuania is still a young sport, but the opportunity to train on a pool wave allows children to practice regularly, regardless of season or weather conditions. According to citywave, regularity can become one of the most important factors in raising internationally competitive athletes.
“We want that after a few years we can look back and say – this was their beginning. Not just one training, not just one season, but the start of a sports journey. Our ambition is to rewrite Lithuania’s surf history together with these children,” say the project organizers.
Who can participate?
Children aged 11–14 are invited to participate in the selection. Previous surfing experience is not required, but candidates must be able to swim.
We are looking for physically active children who enjoy sports and movement, are not afraid of challenges, want to learn, can listen to the coach, and are ready to train regularly and improve purposefully.
The selections will take place on September 26–27 and October 3–4.
Participation is only possible with parental or legal guardian consent. Selected candidates will also need to provide a valid health certificate confirming that the child can participate in the chosen sport’s training and competitions.
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Registration is open until September 23.
Link to registration
