Adapted Physical Activity|Actors and Networks

Actors and Networks in APA in Finland

Adapted Physical Activity (APA) in Finland is developed and delivered through multi-level cooperation. Municipalities and NGOs are responsible for practical implementation, while national bodies, regional organizations, and various networks support, coordinate and guide the development work.

National-Level Coordination and Development

Ministry of Education and Culture

The Ministry provides financial and strategic support for APA, including project funding and grants for APA actors.

Finnish Society of Sport Sciences (FSSS)

The FSSS coordinates national APA collaboration and leads the APA Workgroup, which brings together actors from municipalities, research, NGOs, and ministries. The FSSS also organizes APA seminars and maintains terminology, recommendations, and communication tools.

Finnish Paralympic Committee

Supports the development of pathways from adapted physical activity to para sport and promotes accessible sport environments.

Local and Regional Delivery

Regional State Administrative Agencies

The Regional State Administrative Agencies supervise and support municipalities in social and health services, education, and promote legal compliance, including the accessibility and inclusion goals relevant to adapted physical activity.

Regional Sports Organizations

These 15 organizations offer training, consultation and coordination support to local APA actors. They ensure that national policies are interpreted and implemented regionally.

Municipalities and APA Instructors

Municipalities are the main providers of APA services. In larger municipalities, full-time APA instructors organize group activities, individual counseling, and networking with local clubs and healthcare professionals.

National Networks

APA Workgroup (since 2016)

Coordinated by the FSSS.

Members include municipal representatives, government experts, NGOs and researchers.

Focus areas: terminology, national recommendations, knowledge sharing and monitoring.

Municipal Instructor Network

Coordinated by the Finnish Paralympic Comittee.

Informal peer network among APA instructors.

Shares good practices, tools, and supports continuing professional development.

Other Key Partners

Disability NGOs and foundations organize tailored activities and offer expertise on specific groups
Local sports clubs and federations are encouraged to develop inclusive practices
Healthcare professionals may refer clients to APA services as part of rehabilitation or health promotion
Universities and training institutions contribute to APA education and project collaboration

Research and Knowledge Base

Research on APA in Finland has focused on:

Accessibility and equality in physical activity services
Effectiveness of APA interventions (e.g. balance, functional capacity, quality of life)
Participation and motivation of persons with disabilities or chronic illnesses
Municipal service models and the role of APA instructors
Physical activity levels among people with functional limitations (e.g. national monitoring studies)
Research institutions contribute to the evidence base but are not central actors in service delivery. National APA development draws on both peer-reviewed research and practice-based knowledge

Summary

The Finnish APA system is based on long-term, cross-sectoral cooperation. National-level coordination, local implementation, peer networks and continuous knowledge-building ensure that adapted physical activity remains accessible, responsive and inclusive.

Adapted water exercise group at indoor pool

Picture: Maarit Hohteri, city of Helsinki