WRTC - Onward to 2002!
The next World Radiosport Team Championship, the Olympics of Amateur Radio, will be taking place in Finland in the year 2002.
What is the WRTC?
The WRTC is a competition among two-person teams of some of the top Amateur Radio contest operators in the world. By bringing these competitors together in one geographic area and providing equal operating conditions (antennas, power, etc), the variables normally associated with radio contesting are minimized, and the individual team's operating skills are emphasized.
WRTC 2002--A Joint Effort
Discussions as to which country would host WRTC2002 began during the highly successful WRTC2000 in Slovenia. Well known for its long history and high level of participation in contesting, Finland was one of the obvious choices. A common comment heard during the planning discussions in Slovenia was "The Finns must do it!"
We are now pleased to announce that WRTC2002 will be jointly organized by Contest Club Finland (CCF) and the Finnish Amateur Radio League (SRAL).
The Teams
The team selection process is about to begin. Participants from all continents will be selected based primarily on their track records from past contests. Some 45 to 50 teams will be chosen through a variety of methods. These include open applications as well as "Encouragement Letters" sent out directly by the committee. Leading contest clubs and the IARU societies are encouraged to assist in identifying prospective participants. We will be keeping the contest community informed on the progress of this selection process on a regular basis.
The Contest
The on-the-air portion of the competition will be held within the 2002 IARU HF Championship. In keeping with the original WRTC concept, every effort will be made to provide the teams with operating conditions that are as equal as possible. Our plan is to set up 45 to 50 station sites in locations around the Helsinki area; each equipped with identical antenna systems.
The Finns are considered forerunners in information and telecommunications technology. We are proud to say that during the WRTC 2002, some of these exciting new technologies will be creatively utilized!
The Social Aspects
While the competition itself is certainly the focal point of WRTC2002, the social aspects of this event will also receive special attention.
Once they've arrived in Finland, the competitors and the other guests will eventually be transported to the SRAL Summer Camp. Summer Camp is one of Finnish Amateur Radio's oldest traditions. It's essentially a combination of a hamfest and Field Day, and just about every ham-related activity is demonstrated. There's something exciting in the air during these camps--something that one has to experience first hand to fully appreciate!
A variety of other activities--such as excursions, parties and more--are also planned.
The WRTC2002 Management Team
Jouko Häyrynen, OH1RX--Organizing Committee Chairman
Jari Jussila, OH2BU--Events Chairman and Domestic Publicity
Martti Laine, OH2BH--Competition Co-Chairman
Pasi Luoma-aho, OH2IW--Competition Co-Chairman
Jukka Kulha, OH2MA--Site Design and Management
Veijo Kontas, OH6KN--Wireless and Web technology
Merja Veisterä--Financial Controller and Treasurer
Ari Korhonen, OH1EH--Competitor Correspondence and International Publicity
Timo Klimoff, OH1NOA--Competitor Correspondence and Webmaster
Risto Lund, OH3UU--Logging and Scoring Management
WRTC 2002--Preliminary Schedule
Tuesday, July 9th:
Competitors arrive in Finland. There will be an informal get together and registration.
Wednesday, July 10th:
Competitors and guests will be transported to the SRAL Summer Camp and the official opening ceremony will be held.
Thursday, July 11th:
The first official contest meeting, the pileup competition and an evening party are scheduled.
Friday, July 12th:
The second contest meeting will be held. Competitors will then be transported to the contest station sites.
Saturday, July 13th:
WRTC 2002 on-the-air competition begins at 1200Z.
Sunday, July 14th:
WRTC 2002 competition ends at 1200Z.
Late night "after the contest" events will be held in Helsinki.
Monday, July, 15th:
There will be a tour of Helsinki, the awards ceremony and the closing ceremony.
Tuesday, July, 16th:
Departure.
WRTC 2002 Publicity
We'll be keeping the contest community informed on the progress of WRTC2002 through various means. One of the best places to find the latest information is the WRTC2002 Web site: www.wrtc2002.org.
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WRTC - World Radiosport Team Championship in Finland - July 9-16, 2002
© WRTC2002 Org. design: OH1NOA