The Helsinki International Ballet Competition, organised for the ninth time, will take place on 1‒8 June 2020 at the Finnish National Opera and Ballet. Young top dancers from around the world compete in both classical ballet and contemporary dance in the competition, organised at four-year intervals. For the first time, Mehiläinen Sports Hospital will be responsible for the medical services provided at the competition.
– It is great to be involved in this competition and provide support to competitors through Mehiläinen Sports Hospital’s high-quality services. Our objective is to prevent injuries and ensure that all the participants can enjoy competition days which are as healthy as possible, says Mikko Kirjavainen, Chief of Sports Medicine at Mehiläinen Sports Hospital.
– Ensuring competitors’ health and wellbeing is extremely important for the Helsinki International Ballet Competition. Ballet is extremely demanding in all respects, and such a competition may pose a tough challenge for young dancers. We are very glad to have Mehiläinen Sports Hospital as our partner – we can rely on high-quality medical care being available for our competitors and volunteers easily and at close range, should an accident happen, says Paula Ranto, Secretary General of the competition.
Medical services are provided for dancers participating in the competition, and the competition organisation’s volunteers in case of sudden illness or injury. The services cover first aid by a physician and physiotherapist at the competition venue. If necessary, further treatment can be arranged at Mehiläinen.
Dr Kirjavainen of Mehiläinen Sports Hospital will support the competitors with his solid expertise in dance.
– Ballet and contemporary dance are close to my heart. They are a combination of music, rhythm, art and elite sports. I have followed ballet for the past 10 years as the trusted physician for ballet, says Kirjavainen. – I have experience in this competition as a physician in the previous competitions. It will be great to follow the skilful, beautiful performances of the young dancers and provide support through my expertise. I’m looking forward to returning to the competition as a representative of Mehiläinen Sports Hospital, he says.
Mehiläinen Sports Hospital’s physician and physiotherapist will be on call at the competition venue in the evenings when the competition is occurring. During the medical centre opening hours, competitors requiring physiotherapy will be sent to Mehiläinen Sports Hospital’s Töölö clinic, if necessary.