Turku Is a Great City for Sports
The sport services at the university offer a wide range of sports for everyone’s taste. – By doing sports, the mind stays active and it’s easier to concentrate, reminds Kalle Dahl, an alpine skier, who is representing the university at the student Olympics.
Kalle Dahl thinks that the best thing about alpine skiing is speed.
The Universiade, Olympic Games for university students, is organised in Trentino, Italy, from December 11th to the 21st. The representative of the University of Turku is a 22-year-old medical student and alpine skier Kalle Dahl.
Even though Dahl usually represents the Turku Slalom Club in competitions, he says that at the Universiade he will first and foremost be a representative of Finland and the University of Turku.
– I’m happy to take part in the games. My goal is to finish among the top 20 in the slalom competition that has over 100 participants, says Dahl.
Exercise Is Beneficial for Studying
Dahl says that combining competitive sports and studying isn’t always easy. However, Dahl is very happy with the support and understanding his Faculty has shown towards him.
– Not once have I had to drop out of a course because of absences. Instead, there has always been a way to make up for the course work that I missed. I even received a grant for the upcoming competition from my faculty, says Dahl.
Dahl also thinks that competitive sports have taught him skills that can be useful in studying as well.
– For example, sports have taught me time management, how to be methodical and not to give up easily.
With sports your mind stays active
Dahl thinks that Turku is a versatile city when it comes to sports, even though the winter is shorter here compared with the cities further north. In addition to alpine skiing, Dahl has also played football and done athletics and orienteering.
In Dahl’s opinion, the services of University Sports are a great benefit and he encourages all the students to exercise.
University Sports offer a wide range of activities to the university community. The services are available to degree and exchange students as well as to the university staff.
– Exercise is the most important way to maintain your health. With sports and exercise, your mind stays active, your concentration improves and you don’t feel as tired, states Dahl.
>> More information about University Sports
Text: Matilda Herjanto
Translation: Mari Ratia
Photo: Kari Kantola