🎉 CELEBRATING 55 YEARS OF THE MAN WITHOUT WHOM NORDIC WALKING WOULDN’T EXIST! 🎉

🥢 Happy Birthday, Marko Kantaneva – The Founder & Father of Nordic Walking! 🥢🇫🇮🌍🇵🇱

Today we celebrate a truly extraordinary day — the 55th birthday of Marko Kantaneva, the creator of Nordic Walking, the founder of ONWF, and the visionary whose idea changed the lives of millions around the world. ❤️🌍

It was back in 1997 when Marko wrote the groundbreaking book “Sauvakävely”, sparking a global movement and inspiring people of every age, culture, and background to walk, train, and live healthier lives with poles. Since then, Nordic Walking has become not only a form of physical activity — but a lifestyle, a community, and a global family.

Thanks to Marko’s passion, knowledge and unwavering commitment, today Nordic Walking is practiced everywhere — from small villages to the biggest cities, from beaches to mountains, from beginners to world champions. 🥢💪

Dear Marko,
we wish You endless health, joy, strength and at least 150 more years with poles in Your hands! May the Nordic Walking family continue to grow, and may Your steps keep inspiring millions across the globe. 🌍💚

You are the reason we walk.
You are the beginning of our story.
You are the Father of Nordic Walking.

Drop your birthday wishes for Marko in the comments - we will pass all of them directly to him! 🥳🎂

#NordicWalking #MarkoKantaneva #ONWF #TheFounder #HappyBirthday #NordicFamily