A remarkable Finnish representation at World Para Swimming European Championships in Dublin

The atmosphere was set for a great sports festival to take place, as the fifth World Para Swimming European Championships were opened on Monday 13th of August at the National Aquatic Centre. Among the speakers at the Opening Ceremony were Minister for Sports Shane Ross and the President of the International Paralympic Committee Andrew Parsons, who charmed the crowd with his Irish language skills.

The Arís Choír added to the festivity with their impressive performance. The Championships constitute the largest Para sports event held in Ireland, gathering  over 500 athletes from across 35 countries to Dublin. The speeches given at the Ceremony on Monday highlighted the unique and precious nature of the event for both Dublin as a host for international sports events, and for raising awareness on para sport in Ireland. It is hoped that the games will inspire and encourage future generations of para swimming athletes.

Photo: Siina Silvennoinen
Opening ceremony of the World Para Swimming European Championships. Photo: Siina Silvennoinen
Opening ceremony of the World Para Swimming European Championships.

Finland is represented in the games by an impressive  team of nine athletes. The team includes both more experienced athletes and those for whom the Dublin games are the first touch to European Championships at the adult level. Meri-Maari Mäkinen, Antti Latikka and Leo Lähteenmäki all won medals at the 2017 Mexico City World Championships. Taneli Härkönen, Nader Khalili, Henrik Krogius, Jessika Markkanen, Jenna Rajahalme and William Söderling represent the younger prospects for the future of Finnish Para Swimming.

Photo: Finnish Swimming Federation
Photo: Finnish Swimming Federation
The Finnish swimming team.

The World Para Swimming European Championships  take place from 13th -19th August, and Finnish athletes compete  each day of the games. For more info, schedule and tickets visit World Para Swimming(Link to another website.) (Opens New Window).

Intern Siina Silvennoinen, Embassy of Finland