Advocacy pays off: One million euros for promoting sports and physical activity in higher education

The main aim of the funding is to promote and consolidate a culture of physical activity in higher education institutions. To achieve this, it is important that student unions be involved in the projects to be funded. OLL is adamant that this is the only way to ensure the participation of the entire higher education community in increasing the amount of sport and exercise.

“The Finland on the Move programme set up by the government of Petteri Orpo grew out of grassroots efforts to influence sports policy, and the grant application now being launched is a victory for advocacy. The Finnish Student Sports Federation is determined to establish long-term funding for University on the Move, which means that we will not be satisfied with a one-off grant in the future,” says Marika Uusi-Illikainen, Vice President and head of communications for University on the Move.

OLL, which is celebrating its centenary, focuses on promoting physical activity, study skills and wellbeing among higher education students.

These are a diverse group of more than 300,000 people for whom the ability to study and work is essential from the very start of their studies. However, higher education students are often left alone to decide on and pay for sports activities and work ergonomics.

The application period for grants is provisionally set to start in April, lasting five weeks. The Ministry of Education and Culture will hold an info session on applying for grants on Friday, 5 April from 12 noon to 2 pm via Microsoft Teams. The registration period for the event ends on 3 April. To register, visit the website of the Ministry of Education and Culture.

Additional information:

Marika Uusi-Illikainen
1st Vice President
marika.uusi-illikainen@oll.fi
+358 44 7800 216

Anni Liina Ikonen
Special Advisor for University Sport
anniliina.ikonen@oll.fi
+358 44 780 0219