Mr Björn Skúlason, spouse of the President of the Republic of Iceland Halla Tómasdóttir, visited TAHTO Centre for Finnish Sports Culture on 7 October 2025, as part of the presidential couple’s official state visit to Finland. Mr Björn Skúlason was accompanied by Mrs Suzanne Innes-Stubb, spouse of the host, President of the Republic Alexander Stubb.
During their visit, the presidential spouses explored TAHTO Sports Adventure, a new interactive experience designed to inspire children and young people to physical activity. Their programme also included a tour of TAHTO’s popular exhibition on Finland’s most famous football star Jari Litmanen. The distinguished guests were welcomed by Acting Museum Director Matti Hintikka.
It was a genuine honour for TAHTO to be part of the Icelandic presidential couple’s official visit and to host two guests with a sincere interest in sport and physical activity.
“We greatly appreciate that time was set aside to explore sports culture. The visit beautifully demonstrated the unifying power of sport. Football is the most widely spoken language in the world,” said TAHTO Director Matti Hintikka.
TAHTO’s Museum Manager Kalle Rantala presented the Jari Litmanen exhibition, which particularly resonated with Mr Björn Skúlason. A distinguished footballer himself, Mr Björn Skúlason played as a defender in Iceland’s top league, appearing in 59 matches between 1995 and 1999 for UMF Grindavík and KR Reykjavik.
Curator Jouni Lavikainen showcased some of TAHTO’s national collection’s most treasured items, including artefacts from the 1952 Helsinki Olympic Games, such as the highly valuable Olympic torches. A particular emphasis in the presentation was given to the nine Icelandic athletes took part in those Games.
The visit to TAHTO culminated in the Sports Adventure, which a school group from Lahti was simultaneously exploring. The presidential spouses had the opportunity to witness the children’s genuine joy and enthusiasm for physical activities.
We extend our warmest thanks to Mr Björn Skúlason and Mrs Innes-Stubb for their valuable and delightful visit to TAHTO.
