The magnificent Moor Park estate, a listed English heritage site surrounded by manicured gardens, frescoes, and crystal chandeliers, became the gathering place for the Lithuanian community on the final weekend of September. Its lawns, tennis courts, and golf courses were transformed into the arena of the 2025 Ambassador’s Cup tournament. The event drew a record number of participants and created a unique atmosphere where sport, fellowship, tradition, and noble causes came together.

The Lithuanian Chamber of Commerce in the United Kingdom (LCCUK), together with the Lithuanian Embassy in London, hosted the Ambassador’s Cup for the eighteenth time. The day began with competitions among skilled golf players, while the tennis tournament opened its doors to everyone – from professionals to complete beginners, who were offered lessons and the chance to experience the sport first-hand.

The golf tournament welcomed former Lithuanian Ambassador to the UK, event founder, and LCCUK initiator Vygaudas Ušackas. Joining the tennis matches was former professional basketball player, philanthropist, and founder of the “R. Kaukėnas Charity Foundation,” Rimantas Kaukėnas.

In golf, the standout was Andrius Valiauga, who secured first place, followed by Linas Bielskis in second and Evaldas Navickas in third. In the special challenges, the “Nearest to the Pin” award went to the tournament’s founder Vygaudas Ušackas, while Craig Johnson claimed the “Longest Drive.”

On the tennis courts, Vilma Anušaitė triumphed in the women’s group, while Laimis Gruodis took the men’s title. The distinction of most athletic and versatile player was awarded to Rimantas Kaukėnas.

The day concluded with a gala dinner featuring awards and a charity auction, which raised £6000 for children supported by the Rimantas Kaukėnas Charity Foundation. This contribution will provide vital assistance to children facing serious illnesses.

Auction prizes were donated by Daiva Dawood, Ambassador Vygaudas Ušackas, the restaurant “Champagne Route” and the evening’s host, the charismatic Lithuanian actor Eimutis Kvoščiauskas. Musical performances were offered by professional vocalist, violinist, and pianist Ellie Marcinkevičienė, with a surprise appearance by Vygaudas Ušackas on drums.

“It was a moment I will remember for the rest of my life: when we sang Lithuanians songs within the walls of a mansion more than 500 years old, and the winners stepped onto the stage – I felt chills all over. That was the moment we all realized – Lithuania was right here,” said LCCUK President Laura Budrienė.

The Ambassador’s Cup was first held in 2007, when then-Lithuanian Ambassador to the UK Vygaudas Ušackas launched the inaugural golf tournament. Though modest in its beginnings, it laid a strong foundation for a tradition that has since grown into a distinguished international sporting celebration.

Over the years, the event has expanded – with tennis joining golf – enriching the format and bringing together athletes and enthusiasts of all levels.

Moor Park Golf Club is one of the most prestigious golf clubs in the UK, awarded both “Golf Club of the Year” and the “Service Excellence Award” in 2019. Regularly ranked among the top 100 golf courses in England, it hosts major tournaments and offers world-class training facilities, as well as 13 tennis courts – including highly prized grass courts in the summer. The club’s exceptional setting is completed by Moor Park Mansion, an 18th-century estate listed as part of England’s cultural heritage.

This year’s Ambassador’s Cup was supported by main sponsors Linas Remeika and the company “7 BIG,” along with sponsors “Moutard,” perfumer Daiva Dawood, “Jiesia,” the restaurant “Champagne Route,” and the Rimantas Kaukėnas Charity Foundation. The event was held in partnership with the Embassy of the Republic of Lithuania in the United Kingdom, with “Londonietė” as the media partner.

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