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)
Municipal Instructor Network
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
Picture: Maarit Hohteri, city of Helsinki