For a ninth year, Merko provides support for promising young Estonian Nordic skiers
Merko Ehitus and the Estonian Ski Association have been partners in cooperation for nine years and a new agreement will give future hopefuls the U23/Merko Team assurance in preparing to contend for titles this upcoming season. The U23 Merko Team in the 2014/2015 season consists of Kati Tammjärv (Tartu Ski Club), Marko Kilp (Nõmme Sport Club), Alvar-Johannes Alev (Jõulu Ski Club) and Andreas Veerpalu (Karupesa Team).
Estonian Ski Association secretary general Jaak Mae said after signing the new cooperation agreement: “It’s especially gratifying that Merko Ehitus is supporting our rising generation of top skiers, which gives us a good and secure footing for stable development and remaining at the highest levels of world competition. We also greatly appreciate the fact that Merko is supporting the improvement of sports facilities for the entire Estonian people, having contributed to the development of the Estonian Terviserajad recreational trail network – now over 100 well-groomed trails, most of them lighted, and available 24 hours a day for sport enthusiasts.”
According to Estonian Ski Association cross-country skiing director Raul Olle, it is good that business leaders are finding ways of supporting young athletes. “As these young Estonians are in an age where often difficult decisions have to be made – to continue an athletic career or devote oneself to studies or work – the cooperation agreement signed today takes an very important step toward allowing talented athletes to continue on the path to the top of the skiing world,” added Olle.
“We have made a point to invest in supporting future hopefuls and we hope that our support will make it possible to achieve these goals. In addition, the young athletes are a great example for promoting sports and exercise and hopefully it will be possible with their help to prepare a new generation of active users of recreational trails,” said AS Merko Ehitus management board chairman Andres Trink.