On January 14, 2026, the most active youth event of the winter season – “Forget The Winter” – will take place in the Olympic Center “Ventspils”, which will combine sports, educational activities and open conversations about topics important to young people. During the event, children and young people will have the opportunity to participate for free in 3×3 basketball and football competitions, try various interactive activities, as well as listen to conversations with experienced athletes and industry professionals.
Ghetto Basket and Ghetto Football competitions will be held in U12, U14, U16, 17+ and LADY groups. Young people up to the U16 group are especially invited, because thanks to the cooperation with the Child Protection Center, their participation is free. Registration for the event – play.ghetto.lv until January 13 at 23.59
The interactive zone of the Child Protection Center will operate near the basketball hall of the Olympic Center “Ventspils”, where various physical and mental challenges will be available, including self-reflection tests and the opportunity to talk in an informal environment with trained young people – psychological support consultants.
Also, during the event, it will be possible to listen to live podcasts with the basketball player from the USA Bryant Thomas, Artūras Ausėjus, a player of the Latvian national team and BK “Ventspils”, as well as Linda Kapuras, the head of the “Namiņš” Children’s Care Center. During the talks, difficult but topical topics will also be raised – violence, addictions, mental health and young people ending up in risky situations. The listeners will have the opportunity to hear personal stories of experiences about challenges and mistakes, as well as practical examples of how support, understanding and the right people by your side can help change the direction of life.
The “Forget The Winter” event series encourages young people to be active in the winter, spend time in a safe and supportive environment, while talking about topics that are often left unspoken.
Ghetto Games and BAC regional events are also expected in Ventspils, Rēzekne and Jēkabpils during the winter season.
Practical information
📍 Location: Olympic Center “Ventspils”
📅 Date: January 14, 2026
⏰ Time: 15.00–22.00
💸 Participation in competitions:
– up to U16 (including) – free of charge
– 17+ and in the LADY group – 20 EUR from the team
🎟️ Entrance for visitors: free of charge
🔗 Team registration: https://play.ghetto.lv/
We invite everyone – young people, parents and sports enthusiasts – to come, participate, listen and be part of a conversation that can change lives.
