Five new recipients of SAJL’s Golden Badge of Merit
The 45th Anniversary Gala of American Football was held on Saturday, October 26, 2024, at Helsinki’s Kulttuurikasarmi. During the gala, five new recipients were awarded SAJL’s Golden Merit Badge.
The celebration was structured, fittingly for the sport, into four quarters, during which the history of American football over six different decades was highlighted. Alongside celebrating 45 years of Finnish American football, the event also honored the 20th anniversary of Finland’s American Football Hall of Fame.
The gala culminated in recognizing individuals who have contributed significantly to the sport over the years. Five new Golden Merit Badges and 15 Silver Merit Badges were awarded, and at the beginning of the evening, the Volunteer of the Year 2024 was honored.
Golden Merit Badges
The SAJL Board awards the Golden Merit Badge based on well-justified nominations. The Golden Merit Badge can be granted to an individual who, after receiving the Silver Merit Badge, has continuously participated in the association’s activities, significantly contributing to and supporting the advancement of American football in Finland.
Throughout SAJL’s history, only three individuals have received this distinguished badge: Roope Noronen (#1), Esa Haavisto (#2), and Ari Havulehto (#3). On Saturday, five new names joined their ranks.
Silver Merit Badges
The Silver Merit Badge can be awarded to an individual who has contributed to the association and/or its member organizations for at least 10 years or who, through their actions, has significantly supported the association’s work or otherwise greatly advanced American football nationwide.
SAJL has awarded Silver Merit Badges since 1999, with a total of 39 dedicated individuals honored in previous years. At Saturday’s gala, 15 more active members of the community received the Silver Merit Badge:
- #40 Harri Kaasinen
- #41 Otteliina Rantanen
- #42 Turo Lipponen
- #43 Henri Kurki
- #44 Jukka Lehtinen
- #45 Janne Laukka
- #46 Matti Mäkäräinen
- #47 Juha Hakala
- #48 J-P Schroderus
- #49 Johanna Valasti
- #50 Marko Immonen
- #51 Jarkko Pajarinen
- #52 Peter Åström
- #53 Mikko Punkari
- #54 Janne Vainio
In honor of the anniversary, presentations have also been made regarding the bronze merit badges. The bronze merit badge is awarded, upon the proposal of a club or federation board member, to a person who has served the sport of American football with distinction for at least five years. The recipients of the bronze medals will be announced later in the fall.
Risto Luostarinen is the 2024 volunteer
In addition to the merit badges, the SAJL volunteer of the year was awarded at the anniversary gala. This year, the honor was awarded to Risto Luostarinen, who, in addition to his role on the organizing committee of the IFAF Flag Football World Championships 2024, has managed to invite veterans who have been on the sidelines of the sport for a while to join the activities during the year.
More: SAJL ansiomerkit 1994 – 2024
Jari Turunen´s photos: Jenkkifutis 45-vuotta
