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The Town of Anjalankoski - A Strong Supporter of Sippu-Jukola
The Town of Anjalankoski played a central role in Sippurasti's decision to apply for the organising of the Jukola Relay
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Harri Helminen, Chairman of the City Council, justifies the decision as follows:
"Anjalankoski is a town of thriving athletes and sports clubs,
and a large number of people are still
involved in some form of volunteer work.
The town wanted to support clubs that take part in
volunteer work by promising them in advance a considerable appropriation for the organising of the Jukola Relay. In this way, not only Sippurasti but also other local organisations that take part in the organising work of Sippu-Jukola will benefit from the city's financial support.
Organising the Jukola Relay is also a joint effort of our local clubs and organisations, and it further increases their co-operational readiness in the future. Most importantly, however, the organising of Sippu-Jukola provides the different groups involved with invaluable experience and expertise that will be of use when organising other large-scale events in the future.
Our elected officials also think of the Jukola Relay as a profile project which will make the town of Anjalankoski even better-known. We believe that the turnover of the Jukola Relay will have a positive effect on the turnover of local businesses as well. And finally, the Jukola Relay is the main event of Anjalankoski's 30th anniversary festivities.
The Kymi Valley Union also stands behind this joint effort, and it has supported financially the marketing of Sippu-Jukola. Russia, and in particular the St. Petersburg area is of great interest to us", Helminen concludes his statement.
In 2001, the Anjalankoski City Council decided to award a 500 000 mark (€ 8333) appropriation for the marketing and other preparatory work of Sippu-Jukola.
Famous athletes and sports clubs to have represented Anjalankoski include Heikki Hasu, the world champion in Nordic Combined, Olympic skier Arvo Viitanen, shooter Viivi Villa, football club Myllykosken Pallo, and Mirja Puhakka, world championship winner in ski orienteering. Also, in 1978, Sippurasti's Hilkka Karjalainen, Helena Kattelus and Mirja Puhakka won the first ever Venla Relay.
(2.8.2004)
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