OLL Made Jukola a Tradition

The OLL team included presidium Akseli Haanpää, Niko Lavikainen, and Nette Rimpioja, specialists Anni Liina Ikonen, Niko Peltokangas and Markku Rantahalvari, and team reinforcement Eeva Salmi. Rantahalvari led a spring training program featuring evening orienteering events and group map reading sessions.

This tradition, which began during the federation’s centennial celebration, has proven that orienteering can be a low-threshold team sport that combines physical activity, nature, and togetherness. Each team member brought their own strengths — from navigation skills and running stamina to spare compasses. With strong team spirit, the challenging forests and hills of Mikkeli didn’t discourage the team but rather inspired them to push through from the darkness of night into the heat of the late morning.

The OLL crew was delighted to see so many student teams participating in this year’s Jukola relay – for many it was their first, but likely not their last, time. The team extends heartfelt thanks to the organizers and fellow competitors for an unforgettable event. See you next year in Kotka!

Read more about the event: jukola.com/2025