President Sauli Niinistö of Finland has been announced as an official patron of the 2014 IBSA Goalball World Championships to be held in Espoo, Finland, later this year.
 
“It is an extreme honour to have such a dignitary as a patron of our world championships.” Stated a proud Hannele Pöysti, Secretary General of the organising committee.  
 
President Niinistö has not only a political history but also a sporting history. Apart from past positions such as Minister for Justice and Minister for Finance, he was also President of the Football Association of Finland from 2009 until 2012. Since this time he has been the President of his country.