Mika Poutala, the newly appointed Minister of Youth, Sport and Physical Activity, served as the anchor for the Finnish Parliament’s sports club team in the Jukola Relay. Poutala had no personal expectations for his leg or the race in general, but he had read that the terrain would be challenging. The course, however, included surprises—such as unexpectedly long legs between controls.
“At times, I had to go on all fours,” Poutala said, describing his performance.
Poutala orienteered for the first time in over 20 years, and he had never previously competed with a bib number. He prepared for the race by running a lot, but his actual orienteering practice took place calmly in the forest, walking with a compass and map in hand. The team’s preparation was fairly individual, and for example, leg assignments were agreed upon in the team’s WhatsApp group. Unknowingly, Poutala chose the longest leg of the relay.
Poutala said the experience left a good impression. He plans to participate in the Jukola Relay again next year, if his work schedule allows.
In addition to Poutala, the Finnish Parliament’s team included Matias Mäkynen, Jarmo Limnell, Ville Laakso, Frans Pylkkänen, Oskari Valtola, and Johanna Kyllöinen.
Text and photo: Onni Pänkäläinen
Translation: Mariya Loginova