On Sunday morning 15.6.25 in Tikkala, Mikkeli, the Jukola Relay awards ceremony culminated in the traditional handover of the Jukola flag to the organizers of the next relay.
The Chair of the Mikkeli-Jukola organizing committee, Juho Siikilä, wished the Kotka organizing team good luck and success, and summed up his feelings after a long effort: – For us, Mikkeli-Jukola offered inspiration and excellent team spirit. But now we are going to rest!
The 2026 Jukola will be held in Kotka in the terrain around Kymi airfield, as a collaboration between Kymin Suunnistajat and Vehkalahden Veikot. The Kotka representatives who received the flag bring strong experience in organizing major events – and also the enthusiasm that comes with being first-time hosts. – For our club this is already the fourth Jukola, says Vehkalahden Veikot’s chair Arto Tilli.
For Kymin Suunnistajat, the responsibility for organizing is a first. – This means a lot to us, both for the club’s development and from an orienteering perspective, says club chair Pauli Kainiemi.
The City of Kotka’s Director of Sports, Tommi Lanki, praises the cooperation with the clubs and believes visitors will enjoy the city. – We hope those coming to Jukola will also enjoy all the opportunities the seaside city offers.
Kotka-Jukola’s competition director Ari Kukkonen takes the upcoming responsibility humbly and thanks Mikkeli-Jukola for important lessons. – There is no turning back. But we have big dreams we are heading toward. It is great to get to build a large and meaningful event.
Source: Mikkeli-Jukola communications / City of Kotka
Photo: Sari Ursin
