A decade of cooperation between Kirami and VaLePa
Pictured: VaLePan Volleyball Players - Erik Sundberg, Mikko Esko, Mikko Oivanen, Olli Kunnari and Aleksi Mutka.
The cornerstone of the cooperation between Kirami and VaLePa is respect
For over a decade, Kirami has cooperated with the Vammalan Lentopallo volleyball club. Thanks to their mutual respect, the cooperation has worked great. In early October, players from VaLePa’s representative team participated in Kirami’s autumn photoshoot.
VaLePa’s representative team has been increasingly successful in recent years. For three years in a row, the team has won the championship of the Finland Volleyball League as well as the volleyball Finnish Cup.
“The team has set its goals high for the next season, because they’re aiming for the league and cup championship again. In international games, VaLePa wants to reach the CEV Champions League,” says VaLePa’s publicist Mauri Esko.
A strongly local club
At the moment, the league team mainly consists of Finnish players. Some of them have worn the club’s colours since childhood.
“There are two Swedish players in the team, the rest are Finnish. Two of the players, Mikko Esko and Arttu Lehtimäki, grew up as VaLePa’s own juniors.”
Over the years, several foreign players have donned VaLePa’s shirts.
“As a rule, people have been happy in the club and in Sastamala because it’s a safe city, and it’s also close to Tampere if you’re looking for something bigger. The club also offers excellent opportunities to train, play and develop yourself, which has also helped people enjoy their time here.”
Well-working cooperation
The cooperation between Kirami and the club started more than ten years ago.
“The journey that Kirami and VaLePa have travelled together is a great example of well-working cooperation. The club offers Kirami visibility both in Finland and in Europe. As for Kirami, it actively takes advantage of the opportunities offered by these top athletes.”
Kirami’s autumn photoshoot was an unforgettable experience
In October, five players from VaLePa’s representative team participated in Kirami’s autumn photoshoot. The day of the shoot was an interesting experience for the players.
“The players liked the shooting day and they felt at home. It was interesting to see professional photographers and the director at work. Kirami’s Managing Director Mika Rantanen grilled great food for the players together with his staff, and Kirami’s Sales Manager Kalle Pakkala was also present. The effort Kirami put into the photoshoot and the investment in its partner speaks volumes about the mutual respect towards our cooperation,” Mauri Esko says.
The setter Mikko Esko, the outside hitters Olli Kunnari and Erik Sundberg, the opposite hitter Mikko Oivanen and the libero Aleksi Mutka from VaLePa participated in the photoshoot.
Read more about all of the players in the team (in Finnish)
Follow VaLePa's games in the Finland Volleyball League in YLE Areena
More photos of VaLePa players (Note: Only permission to use in this article)
Watch a YouTube video of a fun fotoshooting day in 2018 and good teamwork results.