Four universities of applied sciences join OLL at the turn of the year

In 2024, when the federation celebrated its 100th anniversary, it became possible for universities to join OLL as full members alongside student unions. From the beginning of 2026, the federation will consist of 18 student unions and seven universities.

“This year has shown that universities are taking responsibility for students’ wellbeing and study ability. This is at the core of a university sport in Finland, which a growing OLL can strengthen even further,” says Akseli Haanpää, the federation’s outgoing president.

All four universities joining as members at the turn of the year have previously been actively involved in OLL’s networks. Representatives of the institutions explain what they consider important in deepening the cooperation.

President Teemu Kokko, Haaga–Helia: “At Haaga–Helia, wellbeing is one of our strategic focus areas, and therefore it is natural for us to be a member of OLL. A physically active student feels better and their studies are also likely to progress more smoothly.”

Vice President Heidi Ahokallio-Leppälä, Häme University of Applied Sciences: “The importance of regular physical activity as a supporter of student wellbeing is something we want to pay increasing attention to in our community. Exercise is well known to improve mood, reduce stress, strengthen sleep and self-confidence – in other words, it provides all the building blocks that students need today. Häme University of Applied Sciences therefore wants to support students’ holistic wellbeing, as it has a significant impact both on the individual student and on the entire university community.”

President and CEO Riitta Konkola, Metropolia: “Our membership in the Finnish Student Sports Federation is an important step towards a more physically active and wellbeing-supporting organisational culture. Membership offers us excellent opportunities to develop our sports services, strengthen everyday physical activity within the university community, and gain new perspectives for developing our services. We are delighted to have access to the federation’s extensive expertise and support, enabling us to build a more active and inclusive student community together. Membership also enables networking with other universities and student communities, and we believe that this cooperation will comprehensively support the wellbeing of our entire university community.”

Vice President Katja Komulainen, Tampere University of Applied Sciences: “Membership in the Finnish Student Sports Federation promotes a physically active student and organisational culture at TAMK. As an Elite Athlete Friendly University, we also consider it important that membership enables our student-athletes to participate in international student sports competitions and at the same time act as TAMK’s sports ambassadors around the world.”