On 21 May, we celebrated the 50th anniversary of Jõulumäe Sports Centre together with former and current employees, valued partners, supporters and friends. The jubilee day brought together people who, over the years, have contributed to the development of the centre and helped shape it into a beloved place where the joy of movement, nature, sport and community come together.
The official part of the celebration began with welcoming speeches, good wishes and gifts. Speeches were given by Lily Allas, Member of the Management Board of Jõulumäe Sports Centre; Raido Mitt, Deputy Secretary General for Sport at the Ministry of Culture; Ain Järvesaar, Mayor of Häädemeeste Municipality; Johanna Lepp, Sports Adviser at Pärnu City Government; the Director of Pärnumaa Sports School and Chair of the Management Board of Pärnumaa Sports Association; and Assar Jõepera, Head of the Estonian Health Trails Foundation. Warm greetings and congratulations were also shared by many of Jõulumäe’s valued partners, supporters and friends, who have been part of the centre’s activities and development over the years.
One of the most special moments of the jubilee day was the planting of an oak tree in honour of Enn Tasalain, the founder and developer of Jõulumäe. The oak will continue to grow at Jõulumäe as a symbolic expression of gratitude for his vision, dedication and legacy, on which today’s centre has been built.
At the jubilee celebration, we also thanked former and current employees who have contributed to the development of Jõulumäe for more than 10 years. Their consistent work, care and dedication have played an important role in shaping Jõulumäe into what it is today. As a token of appreciation, they were presented with a symbolic thuja tree.
A memorable performance was given by the folk dance group Tuurit-Tuurit, whose 17-minute programme was inspired by the different sports and movement opportunities available at Jõulumäe. Through dance, they brought to the stage a glimpse of what can be enjoyed at Jõulumäe all year round – sport, movement, nature and joy together.
Another inspiring part of the day was the panel discussion featuring athletes Kristin Lätt, Raio Piiroja and Allar Raja. The discussion was moderated by the host of the day, Hannes Hermaküla. Together, they spoke about sport, movement, the meaning of Jõulumäe and why places like this are important for athletes, recreational exercisers and the wider community.
Guests had the opportunity to write their thoughts, memories and good wishes on the Wall of Good Wishes, and to enjoy jubilee cake, coffee and time together in the middle of Jõulumäe’s pine forest. The day was filled with gratitude, shared memories and beautiful moments with people who have been connected to the story of Jõulumäe.
We sincerely thank everyone who was with us on this special day, as well as everyone who has been part of Jõulumäe’s journey over the years. Half a century is now behind us, but the story of Jõulumäe continues – together with people, nature and the joy of movement.
