Whether you’re a competitor or a spectator, Eesti Spordiliit is committed to creating the sporting experiences and events that bring Estonians together to celebrate their friendships and culture.
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Through your support, Eesti Spordiliit has served Estonian athletes and the North American Estonian community for over 60 years.
Eesti Spordiliit USA (ESL) was launched in 1954 following a September 18th East Coast Masters volley ball tournament at Pine Terrace New York.
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The original seven founders/competitors who declared and inaugurated the organizations future activities included: Meinhard Kaju, Raimond Pals, Elam Piktjaan, Ernst Roost, Heinrich Savo, Ferdinand Tammann and Kalle Vellenurme. ESL first annual meeting took place on Jan 9th, 1955 at the NY Estonian House where the ESL charter and by-laws were sanctioned.
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The primary goal of ESL was to develop and foster sporting activities and events amongst Estonian organizations throughout the USA.
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The ESL emblem (logo) was developed by the artist Peet Aren and depicts Estonian folklore hero “Kalvipoeg” launching a large stone. An ESL flag bearing the emblem was also created in 1977 and is proudly displayed at ESL events.Over the years, ESL has been devoted to creating and sustaining sports related events for young Estonians.
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Every summer ESL coordinates athletic events at Lakewood and Long Island that offer kids, teenagers and adults the opportunity to compete and bond with fellow Estonians.
Competitive events include: track & field, swimming, bowling, tennis, volleyball and golf.ESL has also been instrumental in helping to fund, build and sustain the sports venues that are used at these events e.g. swimming pool, volleyball, basketball, tennis courts along with track and field sites.