"We invite you  to Finland..."

Sport in Finland is almost entirely based on volunteer work. Local sports clubs and the thousands of women and men, volunteer instructors and coaches working in them are the core resource of our sport culture. They will also be the backbone of the practical arrangements in the Open Europeans. Their contribution also testifies to the fact that sailing in Finland, unlike some other countries, is a sport for the whole nation. The practical organisation of the 2011 Sailing Open Europeans will rest on Finnish sport culture and its fundamental values, which are sport based on a popular movement, equality between men and women and respect of sustainable development. Although the activities are largely based on volunteer input, competence combined with resolve and ambition will ensure the success of the European Championships.

Another major asset is Finland's renowned high technology and especially its application to the arrangements of the Championships. Finland has long traditions in hosting major sports events. It is our ambition to continue on this road. We Finns are known for giving the competitors the starring role. Helsinki is a city where distances are short. The Championship centre is right in the heart of the city. We are sure this would be an unforgettable experience for the participants. We are ready to do our utmost for the success of the Open European Championships in 2011. Welcome to Finland!
Organizing Committee

Finland in Brief

• Surface area 338 000 sq. km - 75% of the country is forested and 10% is covered by lakes
• There are 290 000 lakes in Finland
• Population 5.2 million – two thirds live in urban areas
• One of the leading countries in mobile telecommunication and the use of Internet

Tradition of Equality

• Finland was the second country in the world to give women the right to vote – and the first where women could stand for election
• More than 70% of women earn a living outside home
• Head of state is the President of the Republic, currently Mrs. Tarja Halonen
• A multi-party system: the parliament has 200 members belonging to 8 parties
• Three biggest parties are the Social Democrats, the Centre and the moderate conservative National Coalition
• Key political figure, the Prime Minister, usually comes from the party with most seats in parliament
• Decisions stand independently regardless of elections and the changing of
  
  

Sports is the Most Popular Free Time Activity

• Over 20% of the population (1,1 million Finns) are members of sports clubs
• In their spare time, 10% of the population take part in voluntary work in sport
• 40% of Finnish children and youth are active in sports clubs

Ministry of Education is Responsible for National Sports Policy

• There are two ministers in the Ministry of Education: the Minister of Culture is responsible for cultural, youth and sports issues
• The Sports Division oversees the general directing, development and coordination of this sector
• The ministry is advised on sports affairs by the Finnish sports council
• The state has delegated the power of organising and promoting sports to the sports federations
• The main national sports umbrella organisation is the Finnish Sport Federation

Open Europeans 2011

Dear Reader,
Helsinki is often fondly called the Daughter of the Baltic. In our opinion, this pet name well
describes the way the sea is present in our city. The sea is part of the city's soul and not just a
maritime route for cargo and passenger traffic. There is a close interaction between the sea and
our city's residents, businesses and visitors alike.
The City of Helsinki with its administrations and co-operation partners is very much committed to the application process of the Open Europeans 2011. The opportunity to host the Europeans would further strengthen our city's image as a maritime venue of different events. Moreover, the Sailing Worlds would create opportunities to develop a new yachting centre in the eastern Baltic Sea area. Helsinki is well-resourced to organise an unforgettable sailing competition. Along with the years, we have built an efficient machinery and a comprehensive co-operation network for major events.

A recent example of such an event is the Eurovision Song Contest 2007. The most important recent sports event organised in Helsinki was the 2005 World Championships in Athletics. Helsinki's strengths are well-designed services and an existing basic infrastructure. According to various studies, our public transport system is among the best in Europe. In recently compiled statistics, Helsinki is ranked the sixth popular congress venue in Europe.
The intended competition site, located close to the inner city, is excellently suited to its purpose with ideal wind conditions and extensive waters. In addition to that, Helsinki citizens are keen sailing enthusiasts, a fact that guarantees a unique atmosphere for all sailing events organised here. The year 2011 is a special year also in the sailing history of Helsinki. It will mark the 150 anniversary of the first documented sailing competition organised in our city's coastal waters. The world's largest and most important sailing event would indeed crown our special year. Promoting Helsinki as an attractive venue for new events is a special objective of our city's business development policy. We wish to be profiled as a fun, innovative, clean and safe city. We are convinced that we can provide the best possible framework for the Open Europeans. Welcome to Helsinki in 2011!

City of Helsinki

Sailing has become increasingly popular in Finland

Interest in sail racing events has hit a new high as Helsinki prepares to celebrate its 150 year history in sail racing. The aim is to train, furnish and build sail racing in Helsinki and host ever larger and more high profile international events.

A Sport System of Voluntary Leadership

Sports activities in Finland are mainly organised by sports clubs and federations. The sports clubs are non-profit making: their ownership is cooperatively based on membership. Most of the people who organise the activities of the sports clubs are volunteers – they receive no financial payment for their work. There are 500 000 voluntary sports leaders in sport clubs and associations in Finland. In Finland everyone has been provided the opportunity to participate in sports and sailing.

Municipalities and Cities Support Local Clubs

Finland has 444 municipalities and cities. Cities and municipalities are key public sector players regarding physical activity and sports issues especially for local clubs. The most important form of public support are sports facilities:75 per cent of sports facilities in Finland are municipally provided. Some sports clubs youth work is also supported financially by municipalities

150 Years of Organized Sailboat Racing in Helsinki 2011

"Helsinki has experience in hosting major events and the ability to make them an essential part of the city look and life! We will use this experience to take Open Europeans to a new level."
Kurt Lönnqvist, President of Finnish Sailing Federation

Helsinki is the natural centre for sailing events. There has been organized sailboat racing in Helsinki since 1861. The activity has grown steadily since. In resent time there has been a lot of Championships held in Helsinki. Several clubs have shared the responsibility. The club members have enjoyed organizing events and they want to do more.

Helsinki Sail Racing Management ry Member Clubs and founders are Finnish Sailing Association and the major sailing clubs of Helsinki. This is the organization to create and control the event and racing organization.

• FSF Finnish Sailing Federation
• NJK Nyländska Jaktklubben
• HSK Helsingfors Segelklubb
• HSS Helsingfors Segelsälskap
• M Merenkävijät
• SPS Suomalainen Pursiseura
• BS Brändö Seglare
• HTPS Helsingin Työväen Pursiseura

Ice Hockey World Championships 2003 World Championships in Athletics 2005 and various other international events annually

City of Helsinki has hosted and produced many Europeans and Worlds Championships level events. As a member of FSF, Finnish Sailing Federation enjoys the cooperation advantages of this organization when operating Open Europeans in Helsinki.

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