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The 2018 SIUS European Youth League Final opened on October 19th in the Sport Institute Kisakallio, Lohja, Finland

19 October 2018

The 2018 SIUS European Youth League Final opened on October 19th in the Sport Institute Kisakallio, Lohja, Finland

The Youth League has been competed during this year in three regions, in East, West and North Region and the eight best teams of Air Rifle and Air Pistol are competing now here in the Final. The teams consist of both genders and the age limit is 14-18 year. There are teams from 13 federations in the Final. The Final event will be organized now first time in Finland.

Former ESC Vice-President Kertin Bodin, who is also a region director in the League, brought the greeting of the ESC Presidium. Mrs. Bodin thanked Organizing Committee and reminded that this year is the 10th Anniversary of the Youth League.

"This League was created ten years ago as a nursery for young athletes giving them their first international experience. It was with great satisfaction that I recognized some familiar names from the EYL on the podium at the World Championship in Korea last month", said Bodin.

"However, just keep in mind that this is not just about competing and finding out who is the best shooter. It is also about friendship. You have a great opportunity to make some new international friends here", reminded Secretary General of Finnish Shooting Sport Federation Ms. Anne Lantee in her welcome speech.

The Patron of the 2018 SIUS European Youth Legue Final, Olympic silver medallist Juha Hirvi pointed out that shooting sport is a great sport.

"We do not have to compete so much against someone, but we are competing with our friends. In my long career one of the best and most important thing has been that I have got so many friends around the world, some I met here too", told the 2000 Olympic medallist. "Of course competing is important and winning the competition is approximately a little bit more fun than loosing. That I can tell to you. But you all are already winners, because you have chosen one of the greatest sport – shooting sport", encouraged Hirvi the future stars.

In the end of his speech Juha Hirvi declared the 10th SIUS European Youth League Final opened.

First matches were competed also during Friday afternoon and early evening. You can follow the competition as well. There will be also live video streaming on Sunday from the medal matches.

Results:

Rifle
Finland – Serbia 6-18
Hungary – Sweden 12-12
Poland – Italy 12-12
Austria – Russian Federation 8-16

Pistol
Latvia – Lithuania 7-17
Italy – Russian Federation 9 – 15
Ukraine – Poland 20-4
Czech Republic – France 20-4

Photos can be found here.


Risto Aarrekivi