Os i Finland

Odontological games in Turku

Something that a lot of people have been missing during the pandemic is the Odontological Games. A lot of us still talk, laugh and dream about the last games in Malmö. The parade, new friends and the gala. Maybe you had a ticket to this spectacular event in Turku - but then the virus destroyed your plans. So, what’s the plan now when we can see the end of this, you might wonder? Apollonia has the answers! Thank you Oskari and Antti from the Turku OS-committee!

TEXT AND PICTURE: OSKARI AND ANTTI TROUGH JULIA OLANDER

The Odontological Games in Turku has been delayed due to the pandemic, do you have a new date in mind for the event?

Yes we do! The event is planned to be 1-4.9.2022. The last OS event was organized in Malmö 2019, so it’s about time to bring all nordic dentistry students back together. We hope that this time the pandemic situation won’t restrict our event.

How has it been planning the games?

It has been quite rough to plan the games in Turku due to the pandemic situation. But in general, organizing events such as the Odontological games is very rewarding and fun. Due to the changing of the event date, nearly all plans had to be redone many times. The Odontological Games is a major event and participants attend from all around the nordic countries which also presents challenges for us organizers. In conclusion, the planning has taken so much time, that me and Antti have graduated in the meantime.

What kind of activities can be expected?

At the Odontological games in Turku, we will most likely see a long awaited traditional OS, with a great parade, massive olympic games and a spectacular gala night. Maybe someone also has a beer or two, who knows...

Do you have any tips/recommendations when arriving in Turku? (sightseeing, alko, affordable restaurants, any other tourist information like covid restrictions and other laws to obey by) Turku is a wonderful city, with the river Aura flowing through the center. Here in Turku one can find the best restaurant in Finland. Sadly, you often have to make reservations many weeks beforehand. In Turku you won’t ever run out of beer. You can buy a can from almost every street corner. Turku is also the home for Finland's one and only great hamburger restaurant Hesburger - a tasty and affordable choice after a big night of partying.

You can travel to Turku via airplane from many cities like Stockholm, or you can fly to Helsinki and take a train straight from the airport. Turku also has a big port and ships from Stockholm arrive in Turku every day.

At the moment, if you have had a full set of Covid vaccinations you can travel to Finland freely without any further health inspections. With the EU Digital COVID Certificate, you shouldn’t have any problems entering the country.

If you have been part of the Odontological games before, what is your favourite memory from the event?

Oskari: My favourite memory must be from my third Odontological games in Malmö, the friday night after party at the hotel was, lightly said, quite memorable. Antti: The trip to the Odotological games in Tromso. The weather was horrible but the event and the views in Tromso were spectacular. Also all of the parties were great! To be honest it is hard to pick only one memory from all of the odontologiska spelen events I’ve attended. Why is the Odontological Games such an important and fun event?

It's not usual to have such a major event, where people come from all nordic countries and spend a weekend together. You get to know many new people from other countries and cities. All participants are happy and just party and have fun together. OS is a unique concept. It has never been just an event. It's a religion.

If you have anything to ask, you can contact us via instagram! We hope to see you soon in Turku!! @osturku20 Andy E. Sharp @anttiterava Oskar T. Translator @oskuposku