Arriving at the event area is a memorable experience. The tent village visible from the road seems to be full of life. As you pass through the Jukola gate, step into the flow – a colourful crowd that draws you in and carries you with it.
You say hello to friends and smile at strangers. In the sunny weather, everyone seems to be in a good mood. Competitors rush here and there – to warm up, to the exchange area or to take a shower after having finished their leg. There are lots of people everywhere, including non-orienteers. But there is always space there wherever you need to get. The crowd moves smoothly. Teenagers on scooters don’t mind pushing their vehicles along. There is no sense of hurry.
Raimo Kariniemi from Kuopio arrived a moment ago with his family. Before the men’s relay, there is time to explore the area. The experienced event visitor focuses on the size of the area.
– The area seems compact. – People are close to each other here, which immediately affects the atmosphere.
The desire to experience the unique atmosphere of Jukola is the main reason why people keep coming back. Sometimes after a long break, like Minna Kauria-Kojo from Helsinki, who visited Jukola as a child but had never tried orienteering before.
“When Juran Sisu sent me the invitation on Thursday, I didn’t have to think twice. I haven’t been orienteering for ten years, but instead I mostly play ball games. However, mother who prefers beach volleyball, quickly gathered her orienteering gear together.
“My dad’s old orienteering pants from around 1989 and my sister’s floorball shirt will do the trick. None of us live in Switzerland yet, but one of the team members is moving there soon. That’s where the name Juran Sisu comes from. People are often very creative when naming teams. But what about the team’s expectations?
– Let’s hope that open terrain orienteering becomes a luxury. – And that the velvety spruce trees promised in the information pack feel good against the skin, adds Minna’s sister, Laura Kauria, who was responsible for assembling the team.
Meea Arola from St. Michel is experiencing the Jukola atmosphere for the very first time. The six-year-old event-goer has been looking forward to the experience at home. “I have a new T-shirt that I bought yesterday. The reason is that the rest of her family are volunteers and have been preparing for the event in the area for days. Meea is accompanied by her aunt Johanna Arola, for whom Jukola is also her first.
– Everything has gone well so far.
– We were able to buy smoothies without queuing. We didn’t have to wait long to use the toilet either. Everything seems to be working well.
‘- Now it’s time to enjoy ourselves,’ says Meea’s father Jukka Arola with a smile, before returning back to the support team.
Text: Virva Korpinen
Photo: Mika Luukkonen
Translation: Irma Gynther-Karppinen