From strong defence to the nation’s viability

How did Turun Sanomat perceive physical activity and sports as a means of national defence during the Continuation War

Abstract

The press has influenced the establishment of sports culture in Finland. Sports and national defence have supported each other throughout the entire history of independent Finland. As sports policy emerged as an important part of public authority after Finland gained independence, stakeholders in sports were key contributors to safeguarding the country’s independence. Sports promoted the fitness of the army to defend the country, therefore contributing to the nation’s viability. This article examines how the Turun Sanomat newspaper wrote about the role of sports and physical activity in national defence during the Continuation War.