The Finnish Olympic Committee is launching the Next Generation program, aimed at elite young athletes aged 15–22. The program’s goal is to better identify athletes with the potential for success and help them reach the very top of the world. The Next Generation program introduces a new model of support for these athletes, representing a strong investment in the future. In the first phase, 21 young athletes have been selected for the program.   

-These young athletes are already among the best in the world in their age group, and we want to provide them with support that stands up to international comparison and give them every opportunity to pursue their dreams, says Petteri Kilpinen, President of the Finnish Olympic Committee.  

Kilpinen explains that the program is part of the reform of Finnish elite sports:   

– The Finnish sports funding system has traditionally been based on past achievements. Now we want to focus our support more on potential and invest in the future.  

Through the program, each young person receives a personalized support package worth over 10,000 euros, which includes funding, expert guidance, products, and services. The program is implemented in collaboration with sports federations and the elite sports network.    

– Finnish sports have a lot of potential for success. We have over 100 young athletes on our watch list. The selection of athletes was based on extensive data analysis, evaluations by sports federations, and personal discussions with the athletes and their coaches. In addition, we are working with a group of team sports experts to develop a way to incorporate team sports into the program as well, Kilpinen explains.    

Significant support from businesses 

The Olympic Committee’s financial investment in the program will exceed 300,000 euros per year in its initial phase. The funding comes from companies, among whom the program has generated significant interest. The program’s first partners are Oura, HK, Veikkaus, Helen, and Luhta.  

– The response from our partners has been excellent. Companies want to be part of the process where future success stories are born—not just when they’ve already been told. Several major Finnish companies are already on board, and a few more new partners will join the program later this year. This will help increase support and the program’s impact, says Timo Ronkainen, CEO of the Olympic Committee’s marketing company.  

Athletes selected for the Next Generation group:  

Inka Hämäläinen (2005), biathlon.
Oliver Pada (2005), wrestling.
Elli Punto (2005), orienteering.  
Antti Sainio (2005), track and field, 400 m hurdles.
Sofia Hämäläinen (2006), sailing.
Louna Kasvio (2006), swimming, open water swimming.   
Sofia Mattila (2006), ski jumping.
Anton Kemppi (2007), cross-country skiing.
Ella Mikkola (2007), track and field, high jump.   
Oskari Paldanius (2007), tennis.  
Aliisa Soini (2007), swimming, butterfly.  
Enni Virjonen (2007), track and field, heptathlon.   
Heta Hirvonen (2008), Nordic combined and ski jumping.
Minni Hormavirta (2008), weightlifting. Iida Karhunen (2008), figure skating.   
Rico Salmela (2008), road motorcycle racing.
Anni Jantunen (2009), orienteering / cross-country skiing / long-distance running.   
Kalle Palkinen (2009), freestyle.
Sofia Pekki (2009), judo.   
Pyry Posio (2009), snowboarding.
Emma Palermaa (2010), bowling.