HESBURGER ENCOURAGES PHYSICAL ACTIVITY
Hesburger actively supports youth exercise and health in Finland. Our cooperation with the Finnish Athletics Federation (SUL) began in 2004. What started with local Hese competitions has expanded into a broader programme to promote the physical activity of children and youth.
Hesburger received the SUL Partner of the Year Award in both 2009 and 2024 for long-term commitment, and in 2024 was additionally awarded SUL’s first-ever Responsibility Award.
The H-hetki programme and Hese competitions engage about 85,000 children annually, and over the years the collaboration has reached nearly one million children.
Ambassador Athletes Highlight the Joy of Exercise
Athletes Elmo Lakka (hurdler) and Camilla Richardsson (long-distance runner) serve as ambassadors for the H-hetki programme. They cheer the children on at the Hese competition finals, and during the winter, lead training days where they share tips for exercising and practice. Over the course of the day, children also have a chance to ask the ambassador athletes questions.
Hese Ambassadors: Elmo Lakka, Hurdler, and Camilla Richardsson, Long-Distance Runner
Lakka is studying to be a physical education (PE) teacher and has good memories of the PE teachers he used to have.
“We had great PE teachers who got me very motivated for all kinds of exercise,” Lakka recalls.
“I remember how in primary school PE we spent lots of time outdoors whenever the weather allowed, playing hide-and-seek, kick the can, and other outdoor games.”
Richardsson sees his career providing an incentive for young people. He encourages them not to give up even if their performance and results are not immediately quite what they would hope.
“I myself wasn’t very good as a junior, but it pays off when you just keep working hard,” he says.
“Still, we should bear in mind that sports are supposed to be fun for young people. You can have goal-oriented training, but you shouldn’t take it too seriously. You have to have some time for friends as well, and you should also do other sports.”
Learn more:
If you’re a teacher, how would you like to sign up for the H-hetki programme? Sign up here.
“H-hetki and Hese competitions engage about 85,000 children every year.”
—Hesburger