OLL challenges students to a Studies on the Move idea competition

The universities are doing a lot of good work to reduce sitting among students and promote an active lifestyle. But we need new ideas, because on average, students sit 10.5 hours per day, and nearly half of them don’t exercise enough for their health.

OLL will be celebrating UNESCO’s International Day of University Sport (20.9) by challenging student organisations, associations, societies and groups of friends to come up with ideas for increasing physical activity in the everyday lives of students, both on and off campus.

What kinds of ideas are we looking for?

Examples of suitable ideas are local or national events, modes of operation relating to studying or life on campus, a campaign, or Finnish Student Championships in a new sport.

Both brand new ideas and concepts that are already in use can be picked as a winner of the competition. In addition to physical activity, the judging criteria include repeatability and a community aspect.

Who can take part?

Community groups such as societies, associations, clubs, and groups of friends that are members of OLL (check OLL’s member student unions and universities here) can take part in the competition.

How and where will the ideas be collected?

Use this online form to enter the competition.
Entries are open 20.9–31.10.2026. The winner will be announced at OLL’s General Assembly 4.11.

What about the prizes?

The best idea will be rewarded with 200 euros worth of support for arranging an event or getting the winning group moving. The type of support will be agreed separately. The top ideas will also receive product prizes from OLL.

IDUS and BeActive

The idea competition is part of OLL’s BeActive weeks and celebrates UNESCO’s International Day of University Sport (IDUS), which takes place every year on 20 September. The purpose of the themed weeks, which were launched in 2023, is to make university and student sports better known and to promote their goals.

In addition to the International Day of University Sport, the BeActive weeks also include the European Week of Sport (23–30.9), launched by the European Commission. The events taking place during the European Week of Sport are partly funded by the Erasmus+ programme.