Dear guests, athletes and soldiers

 

It is my great pleasure to welcome you to Estonia and on behalf of the Estonian Defence Forces, to the 42nd World Military Orienteering Championship.

 

Orienteering is a basic skill to soldiers as is for example physical training. The Defence Forces were the first organization in Estonia to practice orienteering, already in 1920’s. When Estonian independence was re-established in 1991, orienteering was among the first sports exercised by Estonian soldiers.

 

We teach Estonian Defense Forces soldiers orienteering as a basic skill. It is also a great amateur sport. We in Estonia believe orienteering lays a solid foundation to an individual’s good health. Today in Estonia every week nearly five thousand people get together to enjoy this healthy activity.

 

The idea of CISM is to build a community of peace, regardless of the results of the competition. Military sports helps to build friendship and good relations with your rivals and to make the world safer through sports.

 

Estonian Defense Forces are proud to host athletes from all over the world and hope, that you will find time to enjoy Southern Estonian hospitality and take in some of the wonderful sightseeing opportunities here.

 

I wish you good luck and an enjoyable stay with the Kuperjanov Battalion.