06.08.2025
EA President Dobromir Karamarinov visits Helsinki and the Olympic Stadium
On Wednesday, August 6th, the visit to Helsinki Olympic Stadium brought back fond memories for European Athletics (EA) President Dobromir Karamarinov of major events previously held at the venue.
“I’ve been here in various roles during European and World Championships. You have always organised competitions outstandingly,” Karamarinov said, praising Finnish professionalism.
During his visit, Karamarinov met with the Mayor of Helsinki Daniel Sazonov, Finland’s Minister for Sports Mika Poutala, Deputy Mayor Paavo Arhinmäki, as well as the Finnish Athletics Federation (SUL) President Riikka Pakarinen and CEO Harri Aalto.
The discussions centered around the bid for the 2030 European Athletics Championships, which Helsinki hopes to host at the Olympic Stadium.
“I want to congratulate Finnish athletics for making it to the final stages of the bidding process for the 2030 Championships,” Karamarinov stated.
He expressed confidence that the stadium’s stands would be filled if Helsinki is chosen to host the event.
“You have an excellent generation of young athletes who would be in their prime by then,” Karamarinov noted.
Mayor Sazonov: Helsinki aims to be Europe’s best Host City for events
Helsinki Mayor Daniel Sazonov emphasised that the city wants to be the best place in Europe for organising events. He hopes the renewed Olympic Stadium will continue to serve as a venue for major sports competitions.
“The greatest events held at the Olympic Stadium can leave memories that span generations,” Sazonov said.
“Major championships in sports like athletics and football raise Helsinki’s profile across Europe and create unforgettable experiences for both locals and visitors.”
Minister Poutala: Finland boldly aims for major sporting events
Minister for Sports, Youth, and Physical Activity Mika Poutala warmly welcomed Finland’s ambition to pursue major sporting events, especially as international competition for hosting rights continues to intensify.
“Finland wants to strengthen its role as a host of international sporting events. These events offer memorable experiences, foster a sense of community, and reinforce Finland’s identity as a sports nation,” said Poutala.
“They also carry significant economic benefits, generating growth, creating jobs, and boosting Finland’s nation branding efforts.”
Pakarinen: EA President was impressed by what he saw
SUL President Riikka Pakarinen felt that Karamarinov was positively impressed during his visit.
“The Olympic Stadium is the soulful heart of our bid. Its renewed facilities, including extensive underground spaces, significantly ease the practical and financial aspects of hosting a major event,” Pakarinen said.
“I truly believe that bringing the 2030 European Championships to Finland is possible.”
Karamarinov was also guided through the stadium by EA Council Member Antti Pihlakoski and former world-class javelin thrower Mikaela Ingberg, who attended as the athletes’ representative.
Last week, SUL submitted Helsinki’s official bid book for the 2030 European Athletics Championships to EA. Helsinki is competing for the hosting rights alongside Brussels (Belgium) and Zürich (Switzerland).
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Picture: Juho Sallinen (in the image from the left: EA CEO Christian Milz, EA President Dobromir Karamarinov, SUL President Riikka Pakarinen, SUL CEO Harri Aalto
Source: Press release of the Finnish Athletics Federation, 6.8.2025, https://www.yleisurheilu.fi/uutinen/ean-puheenjohtaja-dobromir-karamarinov-vieraili-helsingissa-ja-olympiastadionilla/
More information:
Riikka Pakarinen
Chairperson
SUL (Finnish Athletics Federation)
+358 40 580 0833
riikka.pakarinen@sul.fi
Harri Aalto
CEO
SUL (Finnish Athletics Federation)
+358 40 823 4200
harri.aalto@sul.fi
Harri Halme
Project Manager
European Athletics Championships 2030 Bid
+358 40 7545 104
harri.halme@welho.com