The novel by Aleksis Kivi telling the story of the seven brothers of Jukola is a story about strength of will and determination – ”Sisu”, like they say in Finnish. 

When the brothers are threatened with a punishment, the eldest brother Juhani says: ”Well, let them shoot all the arrows of their rage at us, we´ll clench our overgoaded hearts hard as sparkling steel. Let them blow poison at us from every side like snakes, and the heavens rain pure gall on us, we´ll still, with eyes shut, grinding our teeth and roaring like mad bulls, charge at them.” 

Finland needs strong and determined athletes. We have carried this message around the forests of Myllymäki, Jämsä, willing to encourage the athletes to endure this fierce competition in order to reach the best possible result. At the same time, we are willing to wish the Finnish Olympic Committee’s Elit Sports Unit the best of luck in its demanding task.

Jämsä, 16th of June 2013 

The orienteers of Jämsä-Jukola

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