The FIBA EuroBasket 2017 in Finland received the Golden Baton of clean sports as a sign of the competition’s commitment to fair play. Accepting the challenge to participate was natural for a sport known for its great fan culture. The Finnish basketball national team, known as Susijengi (‘the Wolf Gang’) inspires its fans to join the sports event with an amazing atmosphere.
The clean sports campaign for international sports competitions organised in Finland is part of the work of the Finnish Center for Integrity in Sports FINCIS. The campaign and its symbol, the Golden Baton, have already reached international sports events in Finland since 2009. Basketball was challenged to participate in the campaign by the wrestling junior world championships organised in Tampere.
“The wrestling junior world championships in Tampere represented fair and clean sports. The international, energetic atmosphere allowed the athletes to give it their all and enjoy the sport. That is what I wish for the FIBA EuroBasket 2017 players and participants: enjoy the sport and keep it fair!” says wrestler Jenna Sihtola.
“Susijengi has the joy and privilege of being one of the hosts of the Eurobasket 2017 tournament. We also think it’s essential that basketball’s reputation as a smart people’s sport is maintained. That’s why we are committed to playing the Eurobasket tournament in the spirit of fair play and complying with the ideals of clean sports, as we have always done. Susijengi encourages and fights out on the court, and our world-renowned fans keep up a similar atmosphere among spectators. When we pull together to build competitions in accordance with the principles of fair play, we will create an amazing celebration of sports that welcomes people of all ages,” says Shawn Huff, the captain of Susijengi.
The FIBA EuroBasket 2017 tournament will be organised in four countries from 31 August to 17 September 2017. Finland will host one of the tournament qualifiers in celebration of its 100th anniversary of independence. In the qualifiers, Susijengi will compete against Iceland, Greece, Poland, France and Slovenia at the Helsinki Arena.
FINCIS’s Clean Win information stand will be present at the Helsinki Arena on 31 August, 2 September, 3 September and 5 September at 19:00–21:00 and on 6 September at 19:45–21:45. You can cast a vote for the athlete who is the best messenger of fair play at the tournament and win great prizes, such as an official tournament ball signed by the Finnish team. You can also get a flag tattoo of your favourite country on your cheek at the information stand.
The other qualifiers will be played in Israel, Romania and Turkey. The qualifiers will be played from 31 August to 7 September after which Istanbul will host the play offs during 9–17 September.
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#puhtaastiparas, #susijengi, #eurobasket2017, #6pelaaja, #wada_ama
Additional information from:
Susanna Sokka
FINCIS Information Manager
+358 (0)40 740 7477