The 2015 World Championships in Biathlon are participating in a Finnish campaign for clean sport and have been declared a clean sporting event. In recognition of this, the organisers have today received the Golden Baton of clean sport. Spectators and athletes are welcome to discuss fair play at the Clean Win information stand and get a Finnish flag painted on the cheek at the same time.
The Golden Baton of clean sport, now to be seen in Kontiolahti, is part of the Finnish Antidoping Agency FINADA’s work on behalf of clean sport and against doping. The Baton has already been seen at numerous international sporting events in Finland—last at the Goalball World Championships in Espoo. The Baton was today handed over to the Biathlon World Championships Chief of Competition Mr. Ville Haapala and junior biathlete Ms. Siiri Silvasti by the General Secretary for the goalball world championships organisation, Ms. Hannele Pöysti and goalball-player Mr. Erkki Miinala.
‘The first goalball world championships to be held in Finland took place in Espoo last year. The athletes and guests will always remember the games for the unique atmosphere. We wish the best of luck to the organisers of the Championships in Kontiolahti, and we believe that those games, too, will be long remembered for their excellent organisation and for the cheerful atmosphere in North Karelia,’ said Ms. Pöysti and Mr. Miinala.
‘The international biathlon family accepts the challenge to promote the message of doping-free clean sport and fair play. We also encourage all medal winners to sign their name on the Clean Win Roll-up in the Media Centre of the Games, taking a public stand on behalf of fair play,’ said Mr. Haapala.
FINADA’s Clean Win programme information desk will be present at Kontiolahti on 7–8 March from 11 am to 7 pm. There will be horseshoe pitching and a vote for the best promoter of clean sport and fair play in the games. You can also have a Finnish flag painted on your cheek!
The Kontiolahti World Championships in Biathlon will take place on 4–15 March. Working together for clean sport at the World Championships are the World Anti-Doping Agency WADA, the International Biathlon Union IBU, the organisers and FINADA.
Further information:
Susanna Sokka
FINADA – Information Manager
Tel. +358 (0)40 740 7477
Heidi Lehikoinen
Kontiolahti World Championships in Biathlon – Information Manager
Tel. +358 (0)40 664 3093
On the Web: www.kontiolahtibiathlon.com