Rovaniemi considers €10,000 award for ice hockey world champion Vili Saarijärvi

Rovaniemi city council will decide on Tuesday whether to award ice hockey world champion Vili Saarijärvi a €10,000 cash prize and a certificate of honor, Yle reports.

According to the proposal, Saarijärvi’s world championship success is seen as an example of Rovaniemi’s strengths as the hometown of a successful athlete. The council will also establish general principles for rewarding athletes, with a preference for honoring local residents.

Saarijärvi, who grew up in Rovaniemi but now lives in Switzerland, may still qualify for the award under exceptions for athletes who are native to the city or prominently represent its identity.

In the past year, Rovaniemi has awarded tens of thousands of euros to successful athletes, many of whom no longer live in the city. Earlier this spring, cross-country skiers Jasmi Joensuu and Johanna Matintalo each received €5,000 for their bronze medal in the women’s relay at the Winter Olympics in Italy. Last year, cross-country skier Lauri Vuorinen was awarded €12,500 for his silver and bronze medals at the World Championships.

Other municipalities reward athletes differently. Kankaanpää has honored ice hockey defenseman Ville Heinola with a 1.5-hectare forest plot, following local tradition. Hämeenlinna awarded its world championship representatives with certificates and a €2,026 donation to HPK’s youth program. Tampere, however, does not plan to reward its hockey heroes, as its recognition awards are reserved for athletes who are both from Tampere and represent a local club.