Government allocates one million euros for Ruutikankaan shooting sports facility in Finland

The Ruutikankaan shooting sports facility in Northern Ostrobothnia has received a significant boost with a one million euro allocation from the government during the recent budget negotiations, making it the only shooting sports center in Finland to receive such funding. The new center, located near Liminka, is set to be one of the largest in Europe and has already hosted events, including world championships in practical shooting. Completion is scheduled for the end of next year.

Timo Haataja, CEO of Ruutikangas Oy, emphasized the importance of this investment for Finland, particularly in a climate where funding is being cut in various sectors. He expressed surprise at the government’s financial support, which will be used for the construction of amenities, including much-needed restrooms and additional ranges, as construction costs have risen significantly due to general inflation.

To ensure the center’s financing, a company called Ruutikunnat was established in 2023, primarily owned by the municipalities of Liminka and Lumijoki. CEO Jarkko Koskela welcomed the financial boost, stating they aim to make the center a prominent feature in both Northern Finland and the entire country.

Jenna Simula, a member of Parliament and chair of the Ruutikuntien board, noted the ongoing challenges posed by rising costs, while maintaining a strong advocacy for the project. She promotes the center as a space that will encourage more people, especially youth, to engage in shooting sports and hunting, expanding beyond traditional activities like swimming or team sports.

Haataja indicated that this funding is essentially an investment in tourism, with expectations of attracting numerous international visitors. He highlighted that over seven hundred shooters and two hundred judges participated in the recent world championships.

The Ruutikangas facility has previously received state funding; it was one of the Ministry of Education and Culture’s key projects from 2020-2023, receiving close to 800,000 euros, alongside an additional 300,000 euros in Christmas grants from Parliament last year.