Communication from the Finnish Olympic Committee’s General Assembly, 25 November 2025

The Finnish Olympic Committee’s autumn General Assembly on 25 November 2025 approved the new strategy for Finnish sport and for the Olympic Committee, and confirmed the organisation’s operational and financial plan for 2026. The decisions guide the entire sports community towards a more unified, human-centred and goal-oriented culture of action.

In his opening remarks, the Chair of the Olympic Committee, Petteri Kilpinen, reflected on his first year in the role.

– One of the most significant changes in direction arose from the high-performance sport review initiated by the Ministry. Based on its conclusions, we had the courage to discontinue the high-performance unit in its previous form and replace it with a new operating model – a high-performance sport network led by the Olympic Committee. At its core are strong collaboration and a clear objective: we want to achieve better results. We want to perform better and increase the effectiveness of our limited resources, Kilpinen emphasised.

Kilpinen thanked the member organisations for their contribution to building the joint strategy for sport. The strategy was developed during the year through numerous events and extensive discussions. 

– The Olympic Committee is taking a bold and determined step towards the core of sport. Going forward, we will focus even more strongly on organised sport. We cannot take on everything, which is why we must prioritise our role and direct our expertise and resources as effectively as possible to achieve our shared goals. I believe that this is how we can best promote Finnish sports culture in all its forms and strengthen the value and significance of sport – in people’s everyday lives, in the media and in decision-making, Kilpinen said.

He also highlighted the sports community’s united front in advocacy, the renewed organisation and the relaunch of the Olympic Fund as key developments during the past year.

A cooperation-driven strategy for the entire sports community

The Assembly approved the strategy for Finnish sport and for the Olympic Committee, which is above all a strategy built on cooperation. The aim is to build a sports culture that strengthens individuals and promotes trust between communities and responsible conduct.

– The shared strategy provides Finnish sport with a clear direction. It brings stakeholders together and ensures that we move towards the same goal – a stronger, more vibrant and future-focused sports community, said Chair Petteri Kilpinen.

The Olympic Committee focuses on strengthening organised sport

With the new strategy, the Olympic Committee clarifies its role by focusing on strengthening organised sport. Its mission is to lead cooperation within the Finnish sports community and to support and serve its member organisations and the entire sports sector in achieving shared objectives. Broader societal goals are supported through impactful communication and advocacy.

In its 2026 plan, the Olympic Committee sets out four clear priorities: strengthening coaching and leadership competence, leading the Finnish high-performance sport network, supporting the operational capacity of member organisations, and strengthening communication and advocacy. With these measures, the Committee systematically builds the foundations for successful high-performance sport, vibrant sports organisations and a sports culture that benefits society as a whole.

Other matters

Last year’s autumn Assembly decided to initiate a review of the remuneration, role and duties of the Chair of the Board. The Board provided an update on the matter, and based on this, the Assembly decided not to proceed further.

The Assembly also approved the proposed update to the Fair Play – Ethical Principles for Sport document.

Further information:  
Finnish Olympic Committee
Chair Petteri Kilpinen, tel. +358 50 579 5555
CEO Riku Tapio, tel. +358 50 340 5550

Meeting materials are available in the materials bank (in Finnish)..