Sports are for everyone, regardless of gender or sexual orientation. The Finnish Olympic Committee urges the entire sports community — from sports federations to local clubs — to help foster a more inclusive and open sports culture. 

The Helsinki Pride Parade will fill the capital’s streets with the colors of the rainbow on Saturday, June 27. The Olympic Committee is once again putting together its own team of traditional athletes to participate in the parade. Our goal is clear: we want to ensure that sports are a safe space for everyone and that discrimination has no place in locker rooms, on the playing fields, or in the stands. 

Although attitudes have changed, LGBTQ individuals still experience more discrimination in sports than the rest of the population. That is why we must act together. 

— Sports are at their best when everyone can be themselves. We at the Olympic Committee and throughout the broader sports community are committed to promoting equality and equal treatment through our daily actions. For us, participating in Pride sends an important message that we are a team for everyone, says Karoliina Ketola, Head of Sustainability at the Olympic Committee. 

Sports clubs and federations serving as influencers throughout Finland 

The message of equality isn’t limited to Helsinki alone. Pride events are held throughout Finland from May to September, and we encourage all sports organizations to participate in local events. By participating, clubs can effectively demonstrate that they have an open and welcoming club culture. 

The Ice Hockey Association, for example, has taken an active role in supporting the clubs.

— We encourage our clubs to get involved locally. We provide our member clubs with ready-to-print informational materials and social media content to make it as easy as possible for them to participate, says Jaana Helminen, Sustainability Manager at the Ice Hockey Association. 

Inclusion ensures the future of sports 

The debate over the right of gender minorities to participate has drawn attention in the world of international elite sports. In Finland, the focus is on promoting inclusion and developing national guidelines. 

— It is important that restrictions in international elite sports are not applied to national competitions or, above all, to children’s and young people’s recreational activities without good reason. Our job is to enable participation, not to create barriers to it, emphasizes Karoliina Ketola. 

Ahead of the Helsinki Pride parade, the Olympic Committee is organizing a joint pre-parade gathering for its member organizations, where they will share experiences and best practices to promote equality for LGBTQ+ people. An open atmosphere that respects diversity is a resource that strengthens Finnish sports as a whole. 

Sign up for the sports team! 

Sports federations and other member organizations of the Olympic Committee can register for the Helsinki Pride Parade and the pre-party at Suomisport.