A Unique Celebration of Nature
This weekend, the HaliPuu Forest in Lapland will become the setting for a unique event: the TreeHugging World Championships 2024. Now in its fourth edition, this championship brings together enthusiasts from all over the world with a clear goal: to foster connection with nature and celebrate the love of trees.
Diversity of Participants and Modalities
The event has attracted competitors from a variety of nations, including Asia, Europe, North and South America, Australia and Spain. Registration is completely free, allowing anyone to join in the celebration. Participants will compete in three different events that will test their skill and creativity in the art of tree hugging.
The Three Categories of the Championship
Every year, the competition becomes more popular, both on-site and on social media. The categories are as follows:
1. **Speed Hugging**: Here, participants must hug as many trees as possible in one minute, with a minimum of five seconds per tree. This event combines speed and the ability to quickly connect with nature.
2. **Dedication**: In this category, the quality of the hug is evaluated. Competitors select a tree and must offer the most emotional hug in one minute, emphasizing respect and personal connection with the tree.
3. **Freestyle**: In this category, originality is key. Participants must show their love for trees in an artistic and creative way, and the jury will select the most innovative hug.
Awards and Recognitions
The competitor who excels in all three disciplines will be crowned the world tree-hugging champion. In addition to the prestige, the winner will enjoy a week-long vacation for two in Levi, with a private trip through the HaliPuu forest. Also included will be an Arctic wilderness foraging experience, a gift card to a luxury hotel and spa access.
A Global Opportunity
Although the number of in-person participants is limited, the organisers have set up an online version of the event. Anyone interested can participate by uploading a photo of their favourite tree to social media, using the hashtags #TreeHugging2023 and #HaliPuu before 11am on 31 August. The winner of this event will be announced on 1 September and will be invited to the next edition in 2025.
Final Thoughts
The TreeHugging World Championships is not only a fun event, but also represents a call to environmental awareness, reminding us of the importance of caring for and valuing our natural environment. With each hug, participants are creating a bond that transcends borders and cultures, celebrating the beauty of the nature that surrounds us.
