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Statue to statue relay, Turku - Helsinki

On the centenary of Paavo Nurmi's birth on 13.6. at 00.00 hours, a centenary relay will set off from Paavo Nurmi's statue in Turku destined for Paavo Nurmi's statue in Helsinki, where it is due to arrive at 18.30 hours.

Paavo Nurmi 100 Years Games 12.6.

One of the Main events of the centenary year is an athletics championships, the opening of which will include the inauguration of Turku Sports Park as the Paavo Nurmi Stadium. The Programme includes a children's centenary parade, a grand display of women's gymnastics and documentary films. Athletic events include the 100-metre sprint, 1500- and 5000 metre runs, 110-metre hurdles, pole vault, shot put and javelin for men. Women's events include the 100-metre sprint, 5000 metre run, long jump and javelin. The championships are organised by Paavo Nurmi's local athletics society Turun Urheiluliitto.

Paavo Nurmi Marathon 5-6.7.

What would be better culmination to the Paavo Nurmi Centenary athletic events than a marathon. Paavo Nurmi also made marathon history in 1932 by running 40.2 km in a record-breaking time of 2.22.03,8. Nevertheless, this unbeatable long-distance runner was never able to display his stamina and determination to win in the Los Angeles Olympic marathon for which he had so dedicatedly trained.

International Paavo Nurmi writing contest - First announcement

The year 1997 is the 100th anniversary of the birth of Paavo Nurmi. To celebrate the anniversary The Finnish Society for Sport History and The Sports Museum Foundation of Finland declare an international writing contest under the title "Meetings with Paavo Nurmi", open for all. We invite researchers, journalists as well as sports activists from Nurmi's times and all friends of sports history to participate with (unpublished) scientific articles, memories, essays on Nurmi and his active period. The languages will be: Finnish, Swedish, English and German; papers must be sent latest 31.3.1998. For further info please, contact "Paavo Nurmi Writing Contest" Secretary Ilkka Levä.

Further information is available from:
Paavo Nurmi Centre Tel. +358 2 238 3780
Turun Urheiluliitto Tel. +358 2 274 5000

19.1. Opening banquet for invited guests at Turku Theatre Visit of respect to Paavo Nurmi's statue at 16.30

18.3. Issue of a stamp to mark the centenary of the birth of Paavo Nurmi. Opening of a photographic exhibition in Helsinki

23-24.4. Exercise and working capacity seminar, Rantasipi Hotel, Turku

21.5. Presentation of commemorative soin in Turku City Council chambers

21.5. Schoolchildren's spring frolics, Turku

28-29.6. Children's PE carnival, Varvintori, Turku

5-6.7. Paavo Nurmi Marathon, Turku

2.10. Visit of respect to Paavo Nurmi's grave and statue, Turku

Paavo Nurmi Centre national fitness campaigns

Photographic exhibition courtesy of the Sport Museum of Finland

9.6. City of Turku Paavo Nurmi Centenary event, Varvintori, Turku

10.6. Olympic Day Run & Walk, event open to everyone, Ruissalo, Turku

12.6. Paavo Nurmi Foundation Symposium, Helsinki

12.6. Paavo Nurmi 100 Years Games, inauguration of Turku Sports Park as the Paavo Nurmi stadium

13.6. Statue to statue relay, Turku - Helsinki

13.6. Commemorative Service in Turku Cathedral

13.6. Main Paavo Nurmi centenary celebration, Finlandia Hall, Helsinki

13.6. Paavo's party in conjunction with the SLU and ESLU district games, Helsinki