2013

The first part of the competition was held on the Timber Trail. All teams managed to recognise different timber samples, bird species, animal footprints and tree species in Tērvete Nature Park. Moreover, they had to use various tools and show their grasp of the basics of forest management. During the second half of the day, the competition continued in the Forest of Dwarfs, where teams crafted wooden sports equipment, participated in orienteering events, completed exciting tasks given by the active recreation chain stores “Gandrs” and staged a performance on forests. These tasks were challenging, but the teams of Salacgrīva, Limbaži, Mazzalve, Babīte Region’s Sala, Jersika and Krāslava were strong enough to accomplish them with ease.

The award ceremony, which included a special dinner and a surprise musical performance by Jānis Strapcāns, took place in the new 39-meter observation tower. Everyone was excited – either about being high above pine tree tops or the results of the competition. This year, the Forest Olympics was won by Jersika Primary School teacher Anna Greidāne with students Viktorija Afanasjeva and Dairis Vilkājs. Mazzalve Primary School team placed second, Babīte Region’s Sala Primary School was third. All participants were also offered a delicious and huge Forest Olympics cake made by the Dwarf family’s mom.

The results of the 2012/2013 Forest Olympics finals:

1. Jersika Primary School teacher Anna Greidāne, ninth-grader Viktorija Afanasjeva and eighth-grader DairisVilkājs
2. Mazzalve Primary Scool teacher AndaFreimane and third-graders Diāna Vanaga and Reinis Zariņš
3. Babīte Region’s Sala Primary School teacher Anita Anspoka and fourth-graders Austra Guna Reinholde and Armands Nieda
4. Krāslava Primary School teacher Silva Skride and seventh-graders Viktorija Konstantinoviča and Ēriks Silovs
5. Salacgrīva Secondary School teacher Indāra Ceika and second-graders Līva Tauriņa and Emīls Meļķis
6. Limbaži Secondary School No.3 teacher Ināra Pilskunga and seventh-graders Sanita Stankēviča and Toms Blomkalns

The three best teams will go on an exploratory expedition to Norway in August. The best team will also receive a special prize from the active recreation chain stores “Gandrs” – warm sleeping bags. The last three teams will visit Stockholm. This wonderful opportunity will be provided by the sponsor of the Forest Olympics – “Tallink”.

This was the seventh time that the Forest Olympics was organized in Latvia. The theme for this year’s competition: Geography in Forests! More than 220 teachers from 85 Latvian schools proved that they were creative and environmentally-friendly enough to teach Geography classes in nature. Altogether, 227 teachers’ reports on their classes competed in the finals. The reports were evaluated by a professional jury based on how they conformed with best teaching practices, creativity and originality.

JSC “Latvia’sState Forests” expresses gratitude to the jury of the 2013 Forest Olympics for its contribution and co-operation. The jury was made up of the following forestry and education experts:

• Māra Mīkule, the Agriculture Ministry's Forest Department
• Velga Kakse, the National Centre for Education
• Uģis Jaunskungs, “Gandrs”
• Inaīda Jagučanska, Tērvete Nature Park
• Kristaps Didže, Tērvete Nature Park
• Anda Sproģe, “Latvia's State Forests”

The goal of the Forest Olympics is to encourage teachers to incorporate in the school curriculum subjects that deal with learning new skills and gaining experience while visiting forests and nature. The event is organised by JSC “Latvia’s State Forests” as part of the environmental education programme “Learning about Forests” and the Mammadaba Master Class.

Information prepared by: Anda Sproģe, LVM Communications Project Manager. Phone: 26540801, E-mail: This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it..