Welcome
Military Athletes!
Ever since 1964, the Finnish Defence Forces have a long and successful history as organiser and participant in the International Military Sports Council's (CISM) championships. This is the first time, however, that the Military Pentathlon World Championships will be held in Finland.
I know that the Häme Regiment has done its best to make sure the championships will run smoothly. Häme Regiment, and its Sports School in particular, are very competent in many areas. Effort and know-how usually produce good results. It is with confidence that we can sit back and watch a large group of soldiers competing for victory in various sport arenas. Military pentathlon requires the essential characteristics of a good soldier and military skills. We can certainly say that these championships have gathered together quite a number of the world's elite soldiers.
The CISM's motto, Friendship Through Sport - is still an apt description of the organisation's objective and aims. Sports is a real and important tool for promoting friendship between soldiers and civilians that represent different nations and cultures. These championships are an opportunity to forge lasting cooperation networks and partnerships between the different armed forces.
I wish you, the competitors and your supporters and other backers, as well as all those interested in the military pentathlon, warmly welcome to the Häme Regiment, the Defence Forces’ centre of know-how in logistics and sports.
May you abide by fair play and I wish you all many exhilarating moments of success!
Minister of Defence Stefan Wallin
Patron of the 2012 Championships
Military Athletes!
As the Commander of the Lahti Garrison and the Häme Regiment, it is my honour to welcome you all to the International Military Sports Councils’ 59th World Military Pentathlon Championship. The City of Lahti as an internationally recognized sports city and the Häme Regiment as an experienced organizer of national and international sporting venues will offer excellent conditions for this Championship and unforgettable experiences to the athletes.
The Häme Regiment is a national multi-dimensional military training centre with specialities in supply, logistics, reconnaissance, elite sport, military music and military police. Training and education is given for the personnel of the Defence Forces and the Frontier Guard and as well for conscripts for wartime and peace time duties.
Although the main responsibility for organizing this Championship on wide spectrum relies on the Finnish Defence Forces and the Häme Regiment, the main responsibilities are concentrated on the Finnish Defence Forces Sports School, a component of the Häme Regiment. Top level physical education and sports training is consolidated to the Sports School. This Championship will provide an excellent opportunity for our personnel to develop in coaching, organizing the games and to learn the skills of military pentathlon. The Häme Regiment has once again accepted the challenge of organizing a Championship!
Athletes! Here in Lahti you will meet the best competitors of your sport in CISM’s Championship. The results of your determined training will be measured in comprehensive and demanding events of military pentathlon. I will encourage you all towards top level achievements. Let the supporters and good conditions motivate you to reach the very best results here in Lahti in the spirit of CISM - “Friendship Through Sport”!
Colonel Risto Kolstela
Commander of the Häme Regiment
Last updated 02.04.2012
