Supporting youth sports

The city of Lahti has been awarded the Skiing city of Finland in 2023, not least because of the quality skiing events the city hosts. Lahti Ski Games, Finlandia Ski Marathon and many smaller winter sport events enliven the local sport scene, but also require expertise and persistent work from local sports clubs.

Finlandia Ski Marathon is a non-profit organization, and two local ski clubs, Lahti Ski Club (Lahden Hiihtoseura) and Hollola Sport Club (Hollolan Urheilijat -46) are in charge of the event. These ski clubs organize the Ski Marathon from the route and service stations to the management and race office. The possible profits from Finlandia Ski Marathon go to these ski clubs, for example to support youth sports. These ski clubs are also responsible for the possible financial losses of the event.

Healthy sports clubs enable young people access to sports now and in the future. Both Lahti Ski Club and Hollola Sport Club organize a broad range of activities for young people, from children’s ski schools to groups for children with special needs and goal-directed training. The possible profits also help the sports clubs to organize easy-access events as well as big national competitions.

Finlandia Ski Marathon is a perfect chance for local young athletes to feel the atmosphere of a major sports event, volunteer and maybe even dip their toes into long-distance skiing themselves. A high-class Ski Marathon event needs strong support from the ski clubs, and the ski clubs benefit from the expertise and possible profits they gain by organizing the event. By taking part in Finlandia Ski Marathon you not only get a one-of-a-kind skiing experience but also support the local youth sports scene.

This article is part of Finlandia Ski Marathon’s Behind the Scenes -series, which introduces the story and background of the skiing event. Building up some new structures, responsibility actions and a versatile network of partners are interwoven as themes in Finlandia Ski Marathon in 2024.

Photos: Touho Häkkinen ja Marianna Saren