Oulu hosted Barents Sports Committee and Young Leaders in Barents

Last weekend Oulu hosted meetings of the International Barents Sports Committee (BSC) and Young Leaders in Barents (YLIB), bringing together key actors involved in the development of the Barents Games. The meetings were held at Lapland Hotel Oulu, providing a central setting for discussions on upcoming events and preparations for the Barents Summer Games.

Members of BSC and PoPLi at Raatti Stadium.

The BSC gathered to discuss the future and long-term development of the Barents Games and current situation of upcoming events. At the same time, the YLIB group focused on planning side events for the Barents Summer Games and took part in the BSC meeting to strengthen cooperation between young leaders and decision-makers. Work to strengthen cooperation in the Barents region continues, supported by a joint declaration aimed at ensuring the continuity of Barents sport into the future.

Important discussions regarding the future direction of the Games were held, alongside updates on the current preparations for the Barents Summer Games in Oulu. According to competition manager Juha Laukka, everything is progressing as planned.

“Preparations for the Barents Summer Games in Oulu are going well and according to the plans,” Laukka said.

The meeting also marked the first joint gathering of YLIB and the Nuoret Yhdistystaitajat (NYT) project group. Bringing the two groups together created an inspiring environment for idea sharing, resulting in new and fresh ideas for side events at the Barents Games. NYT participants are part of a project organized by Pohjois-Pohjanmaan Liikunta ja Urheilu ry, (PoPLi = regional sport association of the Northern Ostrobothnia), the local association responsible for organizing the Barents Games.

YLIBers visting Get Together venue in Oulu

To prepare for the upcoming event experience, YLIB and NYT participants visited the Get Together venue of the Oulu Games, where they were able to try out activities. Footage from the visit will be shared on the Barents Games’ social media channels.

Members of BSC and PoPLi at Ouluhalli.

The visit for BSC and YLIB also included visiting the main competition venues. At Ouluhalli, the group was welcomed by an energetic atmosphere, as the Finnish National Cheerleading Federation was hosting its national competitions at the venue.

The tour ended to Nallikari Beach, which offered a colder welcome with snow, wind, and temperatures around three degrees – though afternoon coffee and ice cream provided a cheerful moment despite the weather.

Overall, the meetings in Oulu strengthened international cooperation, encouraged youth involvement, and confirmed that preparations for the Barents Summer Games are well on track.