Great skiing event teaches to enjoy the effort

The Tartu Marathon children’s races have for years been a part of the sports calendar of children living in substitute homes and shelters. Also, this year there were quite many participants in the eve of the biggest winter sports festival of Estonia – those, who had been there before but also those who were only beginners in skiing, some put on the skis for the first time in their life.

This year the ski friends were pleased about the magnificent winter weather. Every child could pick the distance that seemed the most appropriate for their skills at the moment: it is important to enjoy the sport. Moderate effort makes the medal even brighter and the feeling greater – the one who once gains that experience will find the will to test themselves also in the future.

The children gave their maximum and were pretty tired but obviously happy after for the tremendous accomplishment as well as for their achievement reaching the finishing line. For many children it was their first time to participate in the children races of Tartu Marathon and they were clearly excited, yet a bit uncertain whether they have strength to get to the finish. The other children encouraged them and told that it's not the result but the taking part that counts.

After the race the children nourished themselves with a delicious meal at the hotel Dorpat restaurant. Every child who completed the race was given a beautiful pair of woollen socks. Many kids believed that the best prize of the day was relaxation at the Aura water centre. The woollen socks, received as gift, were immediately put into use the same evening – a good relaxation for tired feet when driving back.