Finnish Gymnastics Federation
Kirsti Partanen recognized

Lausanne (SUI) / FIG Office, January 18, 2012: Kirsti Partanen, former President of the Finnish Gymnastics Federation and FIG Council Member, was named Most Influential Person in Finnish Sports 2011 by the highest authorities in national sport; public and press were present for the ceremony during the annual Finnish Sports Gala.

The accolade recognizes Kirsti Partanen’s contribution to the merging of two gymnastics associations, joined in 2004 to form the FIG member federation as we know it today and which Partanen chaired until 2011. She was also an important member of Finland’s NOC Executive Committee from 2004 – 2008. Her personal stance on and commitment to the sport have contributed to its development, as well as to the advancement of women in sport throughout Finland.

Today, the most influential person in Finnish sports maintains her role as Vice-President of the Finnish Sport Federation and President of the Organising Committee for the World Gymnaestrada, scheduled for Helsinki 2015.

Held for the first time in 2008, the Finnish Sports Gala awards the most active personalities in Finnish sports; the gala is open to the public, broadcasted live, and enjoys growing popularity throughout Finland.

In the photo there are from the left: new president of Finnish Gymnastics Federation Ms. Anne Martikainen, artistic gymnast Tomi Tuuha, Ms. Kirsti Partanen with the award and the secretary general of Finnish Gymnastics Federation Ms. Maria Laakso. Photo FIN - Saija Suominen.

http://www.suomenurheilugaala.fi/in+english/