University of Jyväskylä joins the Finnish Student Sports Federation as an ordinary member

OLL President Akseli Haanpää welcomes the university into the federation’s member services.

“The University of Jyväskylä’s membership is a significant reinforcement for the federation as we develop our services and support university communities in fostering a physically active culture, enhancing sports services, and promoting student sports. The University of Jyväskylä is Finland’s leading research and education institution in sport sciences, as well as a long-term developer of university sports. It is therefore very fitting and gratifying that the university and the student union are both members of OLL,” says Haanpää.

From the university’s perspective, the membership supports student physical activity in many ways.

“Membership strengthens the well-being of university students and highlights the communal significance of physical activity as part of studies. In addition, it enables our students to participate in international competitions. Our collaboration creates opportunities for both staff and students to experience the joy and inspiration of movement,” says the university’s Director of Human Resources, Katja Sorri.

The Student Union of the University of Jyväskylä (JYY) also welcomes the university as a member of the federation.

“JYY sees the university’s membership in OLL as a very positive step. Through the university’s membership, we can jointly strengthen students’ physical activity and well-being within our university. The University of Jyväskylä brings strong expertise in sport sciences to the development of student physical activity and well-being,” says JYY Chair of the Board Venla Suosalo.

University membership became possible following amendments to OLL’s rules in 2024, the federation’s centennial year. Some institutions had previously been cooperation members of the federation. In 2025, Laurea University of Applied Sciences and the University of Jyväskylä have joined as full members.

With the new membership model, the federation brings together the entire higher education field to build an active and sporting university community. As a member of the Finnish Olympic Committee and international umbrella organisations, OLL represents university communities both nationally and internationally within the sports and physical activity sector.

More information

OLL President Akseli Haanpää, +358 44 7800 211, akseli.haanpaa@oll.fi
Jyväskylä University Sports Team Leader Henna Törmänen, henna.tormanen@jyu.fi