2018 WUC Ski Orienteering opens in Estonia

TARTU, ESTONIA – The second edition of the FISU World University Ski Orienteering Championship kicked off the 2018 WUC seson with the test event Tuesday at the Haanja ski centre. All 72 participants had the opportunity to try check out the competition venue which enjoyed light snowfall throughout the day.

The WUC Ski Orienteering event began with the Opening Ceremony where all countries began by parading from their hotel to Opening Ceremonies at the AHHAA Science Centre. FISU Executive Committee member Mr. Fernando Parente opened the event by thanking the organising committee and volunteers for their hard work. Mr. Parente also recognized the local Estonian authorities of, Estonian Academic Sports Federation President Ants Veetõusme, Tartu deputy major Madis Lepajõe and International Orienteering Federation president Leho Haldna, for undertaking the fantastic and important work of developing University Sport and Ski Orienteering in Estonia.

In addition to hosting the opening, the AHHAA science centre had a hands-on exhibition “Aha, Winter Games!” going on which offered frosty funtime and encouraged all guests to try different winter sports. The event ended in a concert with the jazz and hip-hop driven sounds of Estonian musician Avoid Dave.

In Tartu, it’s easy to see how much winter sports mean to educational centre of Estonia, with the mayor of Tartu even participating in past Ski Orienteering competitions.

“Our ski events for children have over 1,800 participants,” mayor Madis Lepajõe said. “On daily basis Tartu city supports several winter sports teams and helps to organize Club Tartu Maraton events. Also we make sure that winter parks are easily reachable and in the best possible condition.”

When asked if Tartu would be hosting future FISU events Mr. Lepajõe replied by saying, “Of course! Being university city, we are always glad to contribute in the development of university sports.”

For all the SkiO enthusiasts,  , and results available on the .