Finnish Ski Association and Kuusamo club settle volunteer dispute

The Finnish Ski Association and Kuusamon Erä-Veikot have agreed on volunteer work for the Ruka Nordic World Cup event, Yle reports.

Ruka Nordic has confirmed cooperation agreements with Kuusamon Erä-Veikot and Posion Pyrintö. The Finnish Ski Association said the agreements secure a significant share of the local expertise needed to prepare and run the event.

Until about a week ago, relations were badly strained between the association, which owns the event rights, and Kuusamon Erä-Veikot, which had carried primary responsibility for volunteer work. The two sides disagreed sharply over how much work was required and what compensation should be paid. The association had also accused the club of attempting to sabotage the event.

Ruka Nordic Oy chair Sirpa Korkatti said the agreement puts the event in overall charge of leading and coordinating volunteers, with clubs taking on clearly defined responsibilities.

Kuusamon Erä-Veikot chair Matti Heikkilä said the club was pleased an agreement had been reached and was committed to helping prepare for the races in November.