Although the economic downturn has kept some countries away, players from over 750 teams are taking part in the Helsinki Cup this summer.
Kirsi Kavanne, the tournament's director of development, admits the tournament has taken a blow in terms of international participants. However, organisers were able to offer some relief to cash-strapped teams by lowering participant fees and assisting with lodging and meals.
The tournament, which turns 35 this year, opened on Sunday with a march from Helsinki’s Senate Square to the Narinkkatori Square in the Kamppi district.
Around 1,000 volunteers are involved in organising the matches held on 45 different football pitches.
Heat Goes On
Warm weather is expected for the entire tournament. Kavanne says the heat could be difficult for some of the athletes.
“They must constantly think about hydration. Both plays and referees have to be sure to drink enough.”
However, she is not complaining.
“Fans are often freezing on the stands or forced indoors to warm up at Finnish sporting events. Now many people will come out to watch. We will gladly take the warm weather!”
One in Four Finns Saw World Cup Final
Meanwhile Sunday's World Cup final attracted some 1.24 million TV viewers in Finland, or about a quarter of the population. The international football federation FIFA estimates that 700 million people worldwide watched the match, which ended in a 1-0 victory for Spain.
Hundreds of football enthusiasts gathered in Helsinki's Railway Square to watch the match on a big screen. The crowd included many Spanish and Dutch fans, who were held in suspense as the match stretched into extra time.
