Sergey Bubka and Willie Banks competed in the Finns’ favourite game “Mölkky” at Event Square

The second week kicked off with a fresh summer rain at the EMG2023 Event Square where our host Kaj Kunnas challenged IMGA President Sergey Bubka and triple jumper Willie Banks to a legendary “Mölkky” competition.

The crowd cheered loudly as the duo began to compete. The match ended with a score of 92-89 points in favour of Bubka. The American triple jumper was full of praise for his rival. 

–  I first met Sergey in Helsinki at the World Athletics Championships in 1983, he was a big star then. He still is, look at him now, enthuses Banks to rapturous applause from the crowd.

In an interview with Kaj Kunnas, Bubka is convinced of the future of masters events. Now in its fifth year, the European Masters Games has grown in popularity year on year. Bubka sees a bright future for the organisation of adult sports competitions.

–  I believe that, especially after the covid years, people are more aware of their health and what they want out of their lifes. The purpose of our events is to spread healthy lifestyle and connect people to the healthy community through sport, which is what drives people to participate in our movement, says Bubka.