The World Figure Skating Championships opening today in Helsinki are now included in the clean sports challenge campaign of international sports events. As an emblem of committing to ethical operations, the Golden Baton of Clean Sport will be seen today in Helsinki. The Baton travels around major sports competitions in Finland.
The Golden Baton is part of the Finnish Center for Integrity in Sports FINCIS’s / Finnish Anti-Doping Agency FINADA’s work on behalf of fair sports. Since 2009, the baton has travelled to several international major sports competitions in Finland. Most recently it was spotted in Lahti at the Nordic Ski World Championships. In addition to the Golden Baton, the championships in Helsinki will also feature a white snowball the medalists will sign like the medalists of Lahti world championships.
The Finnish Ski Association’s President Jukka-Pekka Vuori and member of Nordic combined world championship team Leevi Mutru will present the Golden Baton on behalf of the Lahti2017 championships to the Vice President of the organising committee of the World Figure Skating Championships, President of the Finnish Figure Skating Association Laura Raitio and skater Valtter Virtanen.
“It’s great to see so many events that have been organised so well for Finland’s centenary. Finnish expertise is first class. At Lahti, we experienced amazing championships that could not have been realised without one of the biggest assets of the sports world: volunteers. I hope these championships also have a great atmosphere and that we’ll get to enjoy clean and fair performances. Let’s root for all the athletes and help them do their best,” says Jukka-Pekka Vuori.
“We are excited about the challenge and will organise our own championships Together, in accordance with Finland’s centenary theme. The Together theme has already been visible around Finland at different figure skating events. The Koko Suomi Luistelee (‘All of Finland skates’) tour started as part of the centenary celebrations already last year, and I’m proud to say it has inspired people of all ages and from different backgrounds to enjoy moving on ice. We have already organised over 80 events. Co-operation has kept us going,” says Laura Raitio.
You can find the FINCIS information stand at the World Figure Skating Championships at Hartwall Arena on Wednesday 29 March at 17:00–22:00, Friday 31 March at 17:15–22:00 and on Saturday 1 April at 10:00–15:00 and 16:00–20:00. At the information stand, you can cast your vote for the fairest athlete of the championships and grab a flag sticker on your cheek to root for the competitors.
Further information:
Susanna Sokka
FINCIS – Information Manager
Tel. +358 40 740 7477
Additional information on the Golden Baton
Social media hashtags: #puhtaastiparas, #helsinki2017, #worldfigure