The Lakanen Family is Eagerly Awaiting the WOC Tour Orienteering Week
We met the Lakanen family from Jyväskylä, who had already signed up for the upcoming WOC Tour orienteering week last fall. The father, Jani, competes in the H45 series, and the daughter, Lilja, in the D14 series. Mother Reetta chose the D45AL series to leave time for her trail running hobby.
– It was definitely clear that we would participate for the whole week. When the World Championships are held in Finland, we definitely want to be there, says Jani Lakanen, who has himself represented Finland multiple times in the World Orienteering Championships.
The family has booked a large cabin in Tahko together with two other families for the duration of the competitions. This way, it’s possible to spend more time together. – Otherwise, we might not see each other as often, so these orienteering weeks bring us together, Reetta Lakanen says.
The children have gladly accompanied the family to different orienteering weeks. According to Lilja, the best part of the whole family’s participation is the togetherness. Jani and Reetta agree. – Yes, we completely agree. Of course, the upcoming WOC Tour week combines our beloved sport and hobby, following the World Championships, and the sense of community. During the week, we get to spend more time with familiar faces, with whom we otherwise don’t find much time during everyday life, Jani Lakanen says.
The Lakanen family has already started thinking about activities outside the competitions. Swimming and cycling are at least on the agenda. The most important thing is relaxed, shared activities. – And hey, there’s that zipline! I won’t dare to go there, but I think others might be excited, Reetta Lakanen remembers. The family has a lot of experience with orienteering weeks. Reetta Lakanen encourages families who are still considering participating: – I definitely say to everyone that first of all, it’s worth coming to watch the World Championships and cheer for the national teams. Then, once you’re there, definitely join the competition or the recreational orienteering. That’s a great option too if you don’t like competing. This combination is just perfect. According to Jani, the event also has a touch of the Jukola spirit.
Lilja and Reetta have a particular orienteer in mind who they would like to see in the Finnish national team jersey at the World Championships: – We definitely want to see our club’s [Suunta-Jyväskylä] Veera Klemettinen there. I think the terrains in Jyväskylä and Kuopio aren’t that different, and Veera is a skilled orienteer. These could be Veera’s races.
Photo and text: Hanna Leppävuori
