Two cyclists on a gravel road in a forest.
Image: Aura Sainio 2022

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. 

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

Hassinen Esko, Chair
Takalo Teemu, Vice Chair

Eronen Jarmo 
Harju Pauli 
Heikkilä Timo 
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
Läärä Jukka
Mecklin Päivi
Munkki Teuvo
Savonen Arto
Wallenius Pekka

Ari Koskinen, Valkeakoski, Chair

Anna-Leena Sahindal, Jyväskylä 
Anne-Mari Jussila, Tampere  
Mika Kyrö, Jämsä 
Jessica Strandholm, Korsholm
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