520A - UMFÍ National Tournaments

The Iceland Youth Organization (UMFÍ) National Tournaments are the largest sports tournament in Iceland. The first tournament was held in Akureyri in the summer of 1909. Since 1940 these sporting competitions have been held each third year with a few exceptions. Many sports are being competed in these tournaments. Various occupational sports events take place, such as tractor driving, line baiting etc. There are about 2.000 competitors participating in the events which may draw up to 20.000 spectators. The tournament in Laugarvatn in 1965 drew 25.000 spectators. This along with the number of contestants and the great variety of sports makes the tournament a grand event in Iceland. The UMFÍ tournament is a time-honoured tradition in Icelandic sports history, usually accompanied by great undertakings in the areas where they are held. Twenty five tournaments have been held up till now. The 26th tournament and the centennial jubilee will be held in Akureyri 9th-12th July 2009.