Power Cup 2024 a resounding success in Joensuu
News
The 2024 edition of the annual Power Cup, the world’s largest volleyball tournament specifically designed for children and youth, was held last week in the city of Joensuu, where a total of 3,938 matches were played across four days by as many as 746 teams! The central location in Joensuu attracted many locals as well, with the event seeing over 10,000 visitors.
Hundreds of balls flew into the air on Thursday
This year, the event was spared too much rain, as the entire Thursday game day and opening ceremony were spent in sunny, hot weather. The overnight rain lowered the temperatures to a more pleasant level for the matches, although the sun did continue to shine. Overall, the games stayed dry until a brief summer shower on Sunday. This, however, did not dampen the atmosphere, and matches were eagerly watched from the field sides.
Thursday’s opening ceremony also attracted many locals. The performers, Ahti and HUGO, who were popular among the youth, enjoyed the audience’s loud sing-along and reminded young athletes to pursue their dreams. The most enthusiastic fans gathered early in front of the Anyday Nuts stage in the Power Market.
Saturday’s closing party was crowned by the artist Averagekidluke, voted by the youth. Additionally, DJ Aappo got the youth, dressed in movie and series-themed costumes, dancing. Local band East Dawn entertained the crowd in the evening at the Power Market.
Anna Komu“The happiness in the air at this event is palpable. The sincere joy of the children and youth was infectious to every visitor and worker at the event. Joensuu’s Mehtimäki has been a very functional venue, and its unity has brought all the Power Cup participants together."
Event Director
Power Cup Travels to Loimaa for its 40th anniversary
After two years in eastern Finland, the Power Cup will move southwest next year, namely to the city of Loimaa. Joensuu’s local manager Sami Leinonen handed over the keychain to Power Cup’s Loimaa counterpart Katariina Kojo.
Next year’s organisers praised Joensuu’s event arrangements and local people. “Joensuu has set high expectations for us next year, as the arrangements were excellent, and we can only hope for sunshine in Loimaa. At least the whole city is already excited about the event, although there is still a year until then,” Kojo said.
In keeping with tradition, each year’s host adds a memory from their city to the keychain. This year, Leinonen added a crested newt figurine, which well represents the city of Joensuu and North Karelia, where everyone and every sport is given opportunities. Leinonen handed over the responsibility for delivering the next edition of the Power Cup to Loimaa and wished good luck to next year’s organisers.
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