To help it plan programming for families, the Latvian Evangelical Lutheran Church in America is asking parents to complete an online survey about experiences in their Latvian Lutheran congregations, Latvian schools and homes.

The survey takes about 15 minutes to complete. It will be available until Oct. 1, said Astrīda Kaugars, director of the survey project titled “Come, Join Our Family Faith Journey” (Dosimies ģimenes ticības ceļā!).

“Our congregations and Latvian schools have consistently worked to help establish a strong faith foundation for our children and youth,” Kaugars said. “As times have changed, we must seek to more effectively communicate and involve each child and family.”

Once survey results are compiled, a planning committee will review them and plan programming that will be implemented in local and nationwide venues, Kaugars explained.

The survey is available in English or Latvian. Survey results will be anonymous, but as an incentive participants may be entered into a drawing for a cash prize.

Funding for the project has been provided by the Thrivent Financial for Lutherans Foundation.

For further information, consult the online survey or e-mail the project at LELBAgimenes@wi.rr.com.

A 35-year-old Latvian athlete has won a gold medal—and set a world record—in the men’s discus throw during the Beijing 2008 Paralympic Games in China.

Aigars Apinis threw the discus a distance of 20.47 meters on his last attempt Sept. 8, setting the record and earning 1,097 points for the No. 1 spot.

The medal is the athlete’s second gold in the event. He took first in the event during the Athens 2004 Paralympic Games. Apinis is from Birzgale near Ogre and is classified F52, meaning “athletes in [a] wheelchair with spinal cord injuries and amputation,” according to the official Web site of the Beijing Paralympic Games.

The final throw not only earned him a world record, but also the Latvian national record and the Paralympic record.

Martin Chris of Great Britain won silver with 1,074 points and Roman Musil took the bronze with 1,026 points.

The competition took place in Beijing’s National Stadium.

The Paralympic Games run from Sept. 6-17.