President of the Estonian Olympic
Committee Urmas Sõõrumaa, who opened Teatejooks relay race at Kadriorg Stadium
together with hurdler Rasmus Mägi, spoke about the importance of physical movement.
“Sport is the foundation of health, and sports habits are born in school. I am very glad that so many children all over Estonia are taking part in today’s relay race – there are over 11,000 participants. Movement is the easiest path to a healthy self, so let’s walk this path together! I wish you a good Week of Sport – for better health and healthier Estonia,” said Sõõrumaa.
The aim of the Week of Sport that takes place on September 23-30, is to provide as many young people and adults in Estonia as possible with a pleasant experience through movement and sports, as well as to encourage them to regularly engage in active hobbies.
According to the Minister of Culture Anneli Ott, the Week of Sport is an event that is eagerly awaited throughout the country. “The Week of Sport is a great initiative that helps to change the mindset in society and to show the value of movement and a healthy lifestyle,” said Ott.
Patrons, motivators, and role models of the Week of Sport 2021 are alpinist Krisli Melesk, member of the Athletes' Commission of the Estonian Olympic Committee and recently retired speed skater Saskia Alusalu, television journalists Hannes Hermaküla, Keili Sükijainen, Reet Linna, musicians Artjom Savitski and Inger, and rector of TalTech Tiit Land.
The patron of the Week of Sport Artjom Savitski, who started the relay race in Kohtla-Järve, emphasized that physical movement is an important part of life: “You have to be healthy in order to be happy”.
Another patron of the Week of Sport Keili Sükijainen
reminded the children who took part in the relay race in Aruküla that physical
movement gives a boost of energy: “If you are in a bad mood, just go for a
short run. Believe me, you will feel an explosion of happiness hormones and your
mood will immediately improve!”
This year,
the slogan of the Week of Sport in Estonia is
‘Get vaccinated against lazyness!’
which is to motivate people to enjoy fitness and take part in
the events of the Week of Sport. The events of the Week of Sport 2021 involve a substantial number of
participants of various ages from all walks of life. Last year, 192,955
participations were registered during the Week of Sport, which makes it the
largest project in Estonia to promote fitness and healthy lifestyle choices. Further
information is available here: www.spordinadal.ee.
