President of the Republic of Finland Sauli Niinistö participated by remote connection in a Finnish team reception at the Tokyo Olympics on Friday, 6 August 2021.
President Niinistö said that the “Northern Stars” have given Finns a lot of excitement, emotion and unforgettable moments – and perhaps a little relief in the intensifying coronavirus situation. “So I have every reason to thank and congratulate you on behalf of all Finns for your magnificent efforts, which are still continuing.”
The event, arranged by Finland’s Olympic Committee and the Finnish Embassy in Tokyo, was attended by swimming bronze medallist Matti Mattson, boxing bronze medallist Mira Potkonen, pole vaulter Wilma Murto, high jumper Ella Junnila, heptathlete Maria Huntington and javelin thrower Lassi Etelätalo. President Niinistö also expressed his warm congratulations to Emma Terho, who has been elected Chair of the International Olympic Committee Athletes’ Commission.
The athletes presented President Niinistö with a gift of a sauna bucket and ladle. The bucket was inscribed with the team’s slogan “Löylyä kiukaalle” / “More water on the sauna stove”.