The Vantaa Ski Championships started on Friday, February 2, with sprints of the free style. The sunny weather attracted people to the place despite the weekday.
The Vantaa National Ski Championships gathered a lot of people on the opening day. There was a buzz especially in front of the sausage kiosk.
– At least 500 sausages will go today and 1,000 tomorrow, said Simmis, executive director of Wanda ry Tuve hopeful.
Tuuve and Niina are predicting a tough sausage event for the weekend. PHOTO PASI LESIMAA/IL PASI LEISMA
Tuuve and friend Nina are from Talko selling race sausages to the spectators. The sausage costs three euros, and the proceeds go to Simmis Wanda’s junior swimmers’ southern camp expenses.
Some of the volunteers have had to take time off for the taluk work, and for some, the work day is not until after the race day. Volunteers are waiting for the public all weekend despite the giant strike.
– Fortunately, the weather is so great, says Tuuve, referring to the sun shining in the sky.
People from Ylöjärvi Jenni and Mika Torvinen have come to Vantaa to see their own children Topias and Elsa Torvinen presumptions. There is also enough encouragement for other Ylöjärvi Ryhti skiers, such as Eevi-Inkeri Tossavainen. The couple travels to ski competitions whenever work gives way.
– We went on a southern vacation to Vantaa!
Jenni and Mika Torvinen had brought their own snacks. PHOTO PASI LESIMAA/IL PASI LEISMA
Not all of Finland’s international stars can be seen at the Vantaa Skiing Championship Perttu from Hyväri and Kerttu from Niska.
– It would be really great to see everyone here, but you understand when it comes to individual sports that everyone makes their own decisions. It would certainly bring more audiences, thinks Jenni Torvinen.
A group of people from Talkoo presenting themselves as the “junior section”. Lauri Oksman, Raimo Kuutti, Kari Onnela, Raimo Hämäläinen, Pentti Hulkkonen and Osmo Ruokolainen say that they have been involved in organizing the Vantaa ski competitions for a long time.
What always makes you want to join the Talkola work?
– Since he was a brat, he has been involved in the Vantaa ski club and is a good group, states the sextet.
In free time, there is also enough time for charity. The friends are involved in running the “murtsikka library”, which lends skis to schoolchildren who do not have their own equipment. Last year, nearly 3,000 schoolchildren came to borrow skis.
Whenever there is time for work and charity work, the “junior section” also goes out together.
– We all ski, and when there is no snow, we walk with poles or ride bikes. When we go out into the countryside, it’s going to be a blast!
Lauri Oksman, Raimo Kuutti, Kari Onnela, Raimo Hämäläinen, Pentti Hulkkonen and Osmo Ruokolainen are actively involved in the activities of the Vantaa Ski Club. PHOTO PASI LESIMAA/IL PASI LEISMA