President of the Sami Parliament to open Finnmarksløpet 2007

 President of the Sami Parliament, Aili Keskitalo, will be in Alta to lead the official opening of Finnmarksløpet 2007.

The opening of Finnmarksløpet has always had somewhat of a ceremonial feel to it, and as time has gone on, the opening has been performed by a number of celebrities.   Among others, Crown Princess Martha Louise, the previous Mayor of Alta Kommune, Eva Nilsen, the present Mayor of Alta, Geir Ove Bakken, and the Minister for Fisheries and Coastal Affairs, Helga Pedersen, have all graced the opening ceremony.

Important
Hanne Rosenberg of Finnmarksløpet says that it is an honour to have Aili Keskitalo to open Finnmarksløpet 2007.  - One of our core values for the race is to combine a sense of identity and belonging with local culture and history.  The race has now grown into something of a big event, and it is important that the setting is also right, says Rosenberg.

Draws attention to Finnmark
Aili Keskitalo says that, first of all, it was lovely to be asked.  - Finnmarksløpet has become a big sporting event, but it is also a cultural experience that helps to draw attention to Finnmark and the unique nature we have here, says Keskitalo.  The President of the Sami Parliament goes on to say that communication and co-operation are two important elements to have.  Hanne Rosenberg agrees.  - Finnmarksløpet is unique in terms that the race is run over the whole county and draws together West and East Finnmark.  We aim to have a good relationship with all parties where the race goes.  In particular, I mention the focus we have on the reindeer herders in the areas where this is relevant, says Rosenberg.

The President of the Sami Parliament will officially open Finnmarksløpet at 11:50, Saturday 10 March 2007.