Candidate for OLL’s board: Niko Lavikainen, Helga

Niko Lavikainen is a student at Haaga-Helia University of Applied Sciences and Member of the Representative Council and Chair of the Election Committee at Student Union Helga.

What position are you running for in OLL and why?

I am running for Vice Chair of the Finnish Student Sports Federation (OLL) Board. My motivation to join comes from a deep desire to advance student well-being. I see OLL as a platform to support initiatives that enhance access to exercise and ensure that all students, regardless of background or abilities, have access to wellness and sports services.

List 1–3 main goals you have for the OLL Board.

Promote accessibility, equality, and community: Every student should have the opportunity to access wellness and sports services, regardless of physical abilities or background. I want to encourage students to participate and make physical activity a natural part of student life.

Strengthen the connection between physical activity and holistic well-being: My goal is to support programs and resources that use exercise to promote mental, physical, and social health.

Improve access to sports services for international students: Wellness and sports support services should be available to all students, regardless of language or cultural background. I want to advocate for multilingual resources so international students feel welcome and can access sports services equally with Finnish-speaking students.

How have you contributed to promoting university sports and the Active University program so far, and what other skills and experience would you bring to OLL?

As Vice Chair of the Helga Board, I was responsible for the community sector, which included sports initiatives and collaboration with OLL. I organized events that promoted student participation and well-being, paying special attention to accessibility.

In this role, I developed leadership skills, strategic planning, and collaboration with various stakeholders. Additionally, my experience in various volunteer organizations and work environments has given me strong skills in project management, communication, and advocacy, which are essential in supporting student-centered programs.