The Flag Football World Championships, held in Lahti from August 27-30, 2024, continue the tradition of over 30 international championships hosted in Finland, promoting fair play and clean sport. The challenge campaign organized by the Finnish Center for Integrity in Sports (FINCIS) has been ongoing since 2008.

As an event promoting fair play, the Flag Football World Championships received the challenge campaign’s symbol, the golden baton, during the opening ceremony on Monday, August 26. The world’s best flag football players received the baton from curling, where the sport’s Youth World Championships were held in February 2024 in Kisakallio. The baton was handed over by Lara Sajaniemi, a player on Finland’s national women’s team.

On behalf of the World Championships, Finnish national team players Essi Saastamoinen and Micky Kyei accepted the golden baton. Saastamoinen, Kyei, and Mexico’s quarterback Diana Flores recited the athletes’ oath in front of the audience of thousands, pledging their commitment to fair play and clean sport.

Athletes and spectators vote for the tournament’s Fair Play Athlete

Fair play and clean sport are also highlighted at the World Championships through FINCIS’s exhibition stand. At the stand, both athletes and spectators can promote the message of fair play by voting for the tournament’s Fair Play Athlete. The athlete who receives the most votes will be awarded.

FINCIS’s exhibition stand will be at the competition venue in Pajulahti on Thursday, August 29, from 10 AM to 5 PM, and in Lahti on Friday, August 30, from 2 PM to 7 PM.

Photo:  Kali Reed