Joensuu-Jukola is part of the programme for the centenary of Finland’s independence in 2017. Finland became an independent state on 6 December 1917.
The most important value of Jukola relay is respecting the beautiful nature of our home country. The atmosphere of Jukola is described to be unique and it is always an impressive experience both for first timers as well as for experienced Jukola visitors.
The orienteers of Jukola relay – friends of clean Finnish nature – have come together since year 1949 in the most beautiful time of the summer. They have competed fair, aiming for the victory, have run through the summer night as the birds keep on singing in the greens of the forest. From the second Jukola relay on the winning team has read the message of Jukola in the brightening summer dawn.
Kaukametsäläiset, the founding and owing association of the Jukola relay, greets an important community or matter with the message of Jukola. The Jukola message has been addressed e.g. to the Finnish Defence Forces (1953), to the Finnish people (1967), to those using the forest (1976) and to the beauty of our homeland (1980).
Before Joensuu takes its turn, Lappee-Jukola will be run in Lappeenranta from 18th to 19th June 2016. In year 2017, in Finland’s 100th anniversary as an independent state, the Jukola relay will be held in Eno in North Karelia’s hills, from 17th to 18th June. The Jukola message has been heard all around Finland and Eno will be the most eastern Jukola terrain so far. Joensuu-Jukola will be organized by Kalevan Rasti.
Clean nature now and in the future
Jukola relay respects the independent Finland as well as the Finnish nature.
– We will plant one hundred trees nearby the competition center, together with the Environment Online- ENO, tells Arja Makkonen, the competition manager of Joensuu-Jukola.
The Environment Online- ENO is an international web school of sustainable development. Joensuu-Jukola will follow the environmental programme Ekokompassi, which is based on international standards of environmental managing. Ekokompassi will combine the benefits of the competition organizer, of Jukola visitors and of the environment.
– We will reduce the amount of waste by using electrical means of marketing and communicating. We will also actively look for recyclable, nature-friendly materials.
The result of passionate voluntary work
The Jukola relay is a meeting point for the international orienteering family. It combines the top athletes with the enthusiasts. The courses of the Jukola relay are made for the top orienteers, but are still suitable for everybody, and it is this unique feature that has made the Jukola Relay Finland’s biggest adult sports event.
Joensuu-Jukola is the 69th Jukola relay and the 40th Venla relay. Its slogan is “be part of the story”.
– Our goal of attendance is 16,000 competitors and 40,000 visitors all in all, states Arja Makkonen, the first female competition manager of Joensuu-Jukola.
95 per cent of the Jukola arrangements are made by volunteers. These talented and passionate volunteers, as well as an open and organized transfer of information between organizing clubs are keys to a successful event.
The atmosphere of Joensuu-Jukola can be enjoyed on the spot in Eno, via Yleisradio’s TV and radio broadcasts and in the social media. Following the Jukola relay abroad is possible via internet’s TV broadcasting in English.
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