About the International Wife Carrying Championships in Finland

DESCRIPTION:

The Wife Carrying World Championship in Finland has been held yearly since 1991. The event is organized through volunteers from nearby village associations, entrepreneurs, and seniors and youth living in Sonkajärvi. It is as the name describes: men carrying women on their backs compete in a series of relay endurance tests to determine the World Champion. It is as challenging to do as it is fun to watch.

The Wife Carrying World Championship is the brainchild of Mr. Eero Pitkänen of the Sonkajärvi municipality. Decisions on the event are made via the Sonkajärven Eukonkanto corporation committee consisting of public servants within the Sonkajärvi municipality, deputies from nearby companies, associations, and private persons living in Sonkajärvi.

Finland's Wife Carrying World Championship is the original event. Today there are Wife Carrying Competitions in multiple countries and cities worldwide.

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