On 21 May, we celebrated the 50th anniversary of J\u00f5ulum\u00e4e 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.<\/p>\n
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 J\u00f5ulum\u00e4e Sports Centre; Raido Mitt, Deputy Secretary General for Sport at the Ministry of Culture; Ain J\u00e4rvesaar, Mayor of H\u00e4\u00e4demeeste Municipality; Johanna Lepp, Sports Adviser at P\u00e4rnu City Government; the Director of P\u00e4rnumaa Sports School and Chair of the Management Board of P\u00e4rnumaa Sports Association; and Assar J\u00f5epera, Head of the Estonian Health Trails Foundation. Warm greetings and congratulations were also shared by many of J\u00f5ulum\u00e4e\u2019s valued partners, supporters and friends, who have been part of the centre\u2019s activities and development over the years.<\/p>\n
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 J\u00f5ulum\u00e4e. The oak will continue to grow at J\u00f5ulum\u00e4e as a symbolic expression of gratitude for his vision, dedication and legacy, on which today\u2019s centre has been built.<\/p>\n
At the jubilee celebration, we also thanked former and current employees who have contributed to the development of J\u00f5ulum\u00e4e for more than 10 years. Their consistent work, care and dedication have played an important role in shaping J\u00f5ulum\u00e4e into what it is today. As a token of appreciation, they were presented with a symbolic thuja tree.<\/p>\n
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 J\u00f5ulum\u00e4e. Through dance, they brought to the stage a glimpse of what can be enjoyed at J\u00f5ulum\u00e4e all year round \u2013 sport, movement, nature and joy together.<\/p>\n
Another inspiring part of the day was the panel discussion featuring athletes Kristin L\u00e4tt, Raio Piiroja and Allar Raja. The discussion was moderated by the host of the day, Hannes Hermak\u00fcla. Together, they spoke about sport, movement, the meaning of J\u00f5ulum\u00e4e and why places like this are important for athletes, recreational exercisers and the wider community.<\/p>\n
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 J\u00f5ulum\u00e4e\u2019s pine forest. The day was filled with gratitude, shared memories and beautiful moments with people who have been connected to the story of J\u00f5ulum\u00e4e.<\/p>\n
We sincerely thank everyone who was with us on this special day, as well as everyone who has been part of J\u00f5ulum\u00e4e\u2019s journey over the years. Half a century is now behind us, but the story of J\u00f5ulum\u00e4e continues \u2013 together with people, nature and the joy of movement.<\/p>\n