Sports
The Division of sports of a Regional State Administrative Agency promotes healthy exercise habits and well-being of the population and supports the maintenance of ability to work and function at different life stages and ages. We provide up-to-date information and guidance to local authorities and sports clubs and organisations.
We strengthen the role of exercise as one of the basic services provided by local authorities and improve the conditions of incidental exercise together with local authorities. We support local authorities in the implementation of exercise schemes.
Read more about implementation of the national exercise scheme, opens in a new tab
We evaluate regional availability of basic physical exercise services. The results are published in the assessment report on basic services.
Read more about the evaluation of basic services, opens in a new tab
We work together with operators in the same region and across national borders in the form of different projects.
Read more about international cooperation
We train
We organise training workshops for the personnel of local authorities and sports clubs and organisations. In the workshops, we share information about socio-political objectives, measures and different funding options. We provide training together with different operators in sports and exercise.
We grant aids
Local authorities and organisations can apply for government aid for projects to improve the health and well-being of different population groups with physical exercise through Regional State Administrative Agencies. Regional State Administrative Agencies also support and guide local authorities in the development of sports and exercise facilities. We grant government aids for sports and exercise facility developments valued EUR 700,000 and under.
Read more about aids for sports services
Sports Councils
A regional sports council operates in the operating area of each Regional State Administrative Agency. The role of regional sports councils is to issue statements on the financing plans of sports facility developments and the aids granted to cover the costs of development. Regional councils appoint regional sports councils for four years at a time.
Regional sports councils in 2020-2023
Ossi Savolainen, Director of Regional Council, Helsinki, Chair
Ilpo Piri, Senior Officer, Regional State Administrative Agency for Southern Finland, Secretary
Päivi Ahlroos-Tanttu, Executive Director, Helsinki
Helena Forsbäc-Turunen, Sports Secretary, Porvoo
Juha Hertsi, Regional Development Manager, Lahti
Lauri Ikävalko, Sales Manager, Lohja
Pauliina Jolanki, Sports Director, Forssa
Ari Pietarinen, Planning Manager, Kotka
Sakari Pusenius, Regional Manager, Lappeenranta
Satu Sikanen, Regional Development Manager, Lappeenranta
Kirke Roos, Sports Director, Kouvola
Arto Virtanen, Project Manager, Lahti
Simoska Mervi, Chair
Mäkelä Pirjo, Deputy Chair
Rämänen Pirjo, Deputy Chair
Hurskainen Jari
Kauppinen Erkki
Korhonen Anu
Korhonen Hannu
Kovanen Risto
Makkonen Mari
Niskanen Tapio
Partanen Pekka
Saastamoinen Jorma
Takalo Teemu, Chair
Eronen Jarmo
Hassinen Esko
Heikkinen Timo
Karstunen Hannu
Kauppila Jukka
Kortessalo Minna
Miettinen Pauli
Neuvonen Pirjo
Oulasmaa Kirsti
Rajaniemi Anneli
Virtanen Katri
Anitta Jaakola, Ranua, Chair
Kai-Matti Joona, Senior Officer, Regional State Administrative Agency for Lapland, Secretary
Pirkko Pehkonen, Kemi, Lapin Liikunta ry
Eeva-Liisa Lompolojärvi, Kolari
Juhani Lakela, Savukoski
Harri Väliranta, Kemijärvi
Mervi Urpilainen, Inari
Matti Vaajoensuu, Tervola
Pekka Hämäläinen, Rovaniemi
Aatos Keskitalo, Pello, Lapin Liikunta ry
Aslak Paltto, Saamelaiskäräjät
Maarit Toivola, Rovaniemi, Lapin Liikunta ry
Heikki Keskitalo, Lapin AMK, Santasport
Koski Pasi, Chair
Leván Heini, Deputy Chair
Engström Bror
Hakala Eija
Junttila Jorma
Kirveennummi Kirsti
Koivuniemi Jouni
Koskinen Matleena
Mecklin Päivi
Munkki Teuvo
Potinkara Pekka
Savonen Arto
Wallenius Pekka
Ari Koskinen, Valkeakoski, Chair
Anna-Leena Sahindal, Jyväskylä
Anne-Mari Jussila, Tampere
Mika Kyrö, Jämsä
Mikaela Ingberg, Vaasa
Maarit Kaari, Kauhajoki
Jukka Nieminen, Tampere
Petri Lehtoranta, Jyväskylä
Taina Niiranen, Parkano
Timo Virolainen, Kokkola
Olli-Pekka Karjalainen, Seinäjoki
Jukka Rautakorpi, Vaasa
Päivi Tryyki, Sastamala