The annual badges of merit have been distributed to those who have earned a work in sports culture and sports.
Minister Antti Kurvinen and Lions Head Coach Jukka Jalonen at Helsinki-Vantaa. AOP
The Ministry of Education and Culture has awarded annual crosses and medals of merit for sports.
Minister of Science and Culture Antti Kurvisen The badges of merit awarded by the University of Helsinki are intended for persons who have earned a reputation in sports culture and sports.
Crosses and medals of merit in sports culture and sports have been awarded since 1947. This year, a total of 448 medals were awarded.
Club work will be rewarded
The recipients of the medals are persons who have been active in local sports clubs, regional sports organizations, national sports federations and international sports.
– I am glad that local sports clubs and national sports organizations, as well as sports federations, have applied for these state sports medals for the activists and influencers involved in the activities, Minister Kurvinen says in a press release from the Ministry of Education and Culture.
Ivar Wilksmanin on the birthday, February 26, the number of badges traditionally awarded has been distributed this year significantly more than last year.
A year ago, a total of 298 insignia were issued, this year 448.
List of familiar names
There are four types of badges: gold medals, medals, medals with gold crosses and medals.
The list features many well-known coaches as well as former athletes.
Recipients of the Golden Cross of Merit include long-line footballers Keith “Keke” Armstrong, Antti Muurinen mixed Martti Kuuselawho was also awarded a medal of merit with gilded crosses.
Of the hockey circles, the disc legend received this badge Saku Koivupuck coach Kari Jalonen and the coach who led the Lions Olympic gold in Beijing Jukka Jalonen.
The politician, a former bodybuilder, was awarded the Merit Cross Ritva “Kike” ElomaaChairman of the league Heikki HiltunenPresident of the Hockey Association Harri Nummelahockey coach Jukka KoivuGeneral Manager of the national hockey team Jere Lehtinen and a former hockey player, chairman of the IOC Athletes Commission Emma Terho.
The medal for the gold medal cross was awarded to a ski coach To Matti Haavisto. Haavisto is an Olympic medalist Krista Pärmäkoski as a personal trainer.
The medal was awarded to an entrepreneur and a media person Arman Alizada former top hockey player Kai Nurminen and a politician Petteri Orpo (kok).