Despite the rain, the first day of the tournament started in an enthusiastic and happy atmosphere. In the morning, the tournament fields were waiting for impatient players – after all, it was the first day of the Power Cup. Hundreds of volunteers were finishing their last tasks before the teams arrived on the field.

The streets of the city of Loimaa were packed with players heading to their courts. Before the first game started, the excitement was palpable.

Warm-up set the pace for the first steps. Finally, at 12 noon, the whistle of event manager Anna Komu gave the permission for the matches to begin. Instructions from the coaches and cheers from the players filled every corner of the court.

The power market was also filled with happy youngsters. There was plenty of enthusiasm, especially at the national team’s point, where, among other things, you could measure the speed of the ball. The POWER Ham and Cheese Baguette by Picnic, which was on sale at the Picnic point, also attracted a lot of interest. Have you already tried it?

After the games, the most expected moment of the evening was the official opening of the Power Cup. The sun and warmth greeted the Power Cup participants and visitors attending the opening ceremony. To celebrate the 40th anniversary of the opening ceremony, a group photo was taken at the beginning of the opening ceremony.

Both the Power Cup and the men’s national team had big news. The newest member of the volleyball family, the tiger mascot, finally got a name. May we introduce Haippi.

The men’s national team’s big news was related to the EuroVolley. Finnish volleyball is experiencing a great and historic moment as the main arena for the Men’s Eurovolley has been confirmed as the Nokia Arena in Tampere.

But the most exciting moment of the evening for the youngsters was Ege Zulu’s gig. The artist got the youngsters singing, dancing and jumping to his songs. Smiling youngsters filled the Power Market and the surrounding area.

Power Cup is a much awaited event and for many it is the start of summer every year. Possibly for some for 40 years.