The Goalball European Championships were challenged to join the campaign for clean sports in international sports events held in Finland. The EuroBasket qualifier passed the challenge on to goalball players. The Golden Baton of clean sports appeared in Pajulahti today as a sign of the campaign.
The clean sports campaign for international sports competitions is part of the work of the Finnish Center for Integrity in Sports FINCIS. The campaign and its symbol, the Golden Baton, have been seen at international sports events organised in Finland since 2009.
– The Susijengi team brought their best game to the EuroBasket. Our world-famous fans cheered the team in a similar spirit of fair sports. We are now throwing the ball to the goalball team. This campaign is definitely worth joining, says Shawn Huff, the captain of Susijengi.
The Golden Baton was accepted by Timo Pelkonen, Secretary General of the European Goalball Championships, and Susanna Halme, who plays in the national women’s team.
– Thank you for this challenge. It is a pleasure to play in the Goalball European Championships here in Pajulahti. I am sure that the competition will be unique and memorable. I hope everyone both on and off the field will remember the tournament for its good atmosphere, big feelings and clean sports, Halme says.
The European Goalball Championships will be held from 18 to 22 September at Pajulahti sports centre. The best ten women’s and men’s teams in Europe will play in the tournament.
FINCIS’s Clean Win information stand will be present at the event on Wednesday 20 September and on Thursday 21 September from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. Athletes can test their knowledge of fair play at the stand by trying the Play True quiz by the World Anti-Doping Agency WADA. The prizes are golden drinking bottles. Spectators can have the flag of their favourite team painted on their cheek while learning more about ethical sports.
Hashtags:
#puhtaastiparas, #pajulahti2017, #susijengi
Additional information from:
Susanna Sokka
FINCIS Information Manager
+358 (0)40 740 7477