Team Behind the Tracks & Event
The Heart Behind the Hovawart IGP-FH World Championship
Every great event is powered by passionate people working behind the scenes — and this championship is no exception. Our dedicated volunteer team is the backbone of the competition, ensuring everything runs smoothly from early morning track setups to late-night logistics.
They welcome competitors, guide spectators, prepare the fields, manage timing, and lend a helping hand wherever needed. Their commitment, energy, and love for the sport make this world-class event possible.
We thank each and every volunteer for their time, effort, and enthusiasm. Without you, this championship wouldn’t be the same.
Tina Ek-Liechti, Track Team
I currently train and compete with two Giant Schnauzers and one Labrador Retriever. My main discipline is forest tracking, but I’ve also actively participated in search and rescue trials and field tracking. In both of these side disciplines, I’ve competed at the highest national level and in championship events, and my dogs have earned the title of Working Champion in both.
I’m a certified trial official, and volunteering across breeds and disciplines has always been an essential part of my dog sport journey.
Jari Salomäki, Track Team
I have served as a tracklayer at the FCI IGP-FH World Championship, the IRO World Championship for IFH tracking, as well as at both the Finnish National Championships and the Breed Championships.
In IGP, I have also worked as a tracklayer at the Finnish National and Breed Championships. On top of that, I actively compete with my own dogs in both IFH and IGP trials.
Merja Ruutikainen, Track Team
I’ve been involved in working dog sports for over 30 years, with IGP FH always holding a special place in my heart. I’ve represented Finland eight times at the IGP FH World Championships, with my best result being 6th place.
I’ve served as a tracklayer at both smaller competitions and at the world championship level. In 2023, I was one of the tracklayers at the IGP FH World Championships held in Finland, and in 2024, I also took part as a tracklayer at the Rescue Dog World Championships in Finland.
Wishing all competitors the very best in this demanding and rewarding sport!
Katja Kyrö, Track Team
I’ve been involved in working dog sports for around 15 years now. Most of my time has been spent competing in IGP-IPO with German Shepherds, but I’ve also got experience in forest tracking and other working dog disciplines.
Over the years, I’ve helped out in all kinds of volunteer roles at club trials and major events including the IGP-FH World Championship 2023, several IPO-FH/IGP-FH Finnish Nationals, and the German Shepherd IGP-FH championships.
Wishing all competitors the best of luck — enjoy the experience and give it your all!
Mervi Wiberg, Track Team
I have been involved in working dog sports for 20 years. My main discipline has been forest tracking, where I have competed at the highest national level as well as in championship events.
After my dog earned the title of Working Champion in forest tracking, I decided to move on to IGP-FH. Since then, my dog has twice won the Finnish Breed Championship and has qualified three times for the Rottweiler World Championships. This year, we are heading to Hungary.
Virpi Laamanen, Track Team
I'm a long-time working dog enthusiast, and IGP-FH tracking holds a special place in my heart.
Miikka Hakio, Track Team
I'm a German Shepherd enthusiast in my early 40s, and over the past few years I've been actively involved in organizing and volunteering at various major dog sport events — most often as a tracklayer or part of the tracking design team. So yes, I’ve gathered quite a bit of experience in putting competitions together!
In addition to championship-level events, I regularly take part in club trials each year, working as a tracklayer and IGP helper. My main focus is IGP-FH, which is closest to my heart.
Here are some of the events I've been involved in:
2024 IGP-FH Finnish Nationals – Head of Tracking
2024 IRO World Championship – Tracking Design
2023 IGP-FH World Championship – Head of Tracking for Group A
SPL IFH/IGP Nationals – Head of Tracking / Tracklayer (multiple years)
SBPKY IFH/IGP Nationals – Head of Tracking / Tracklayer (multiple years)
SPKL IGP-FH / IGP Nationals – Head of Tracking / Tracklayer (multiple years)
SRY IGP Nationals – Tracklayer
SDY IGP Nationals – Tracklayer
Team Leader for Finland at the IGP-FH World Championships in 2015, 2016, 2017, and 2018
Wishing all competitors performances that reflect their training and dedication!
Taru Isola, Track Team
I'm a young IGP enthusiast and I've had the chance to help organize several major IGP A, IFH, and IGP-FH competitions in different roles.
Wishing all the competitors the best of luck and a great time in Lapinjärvi!