Sports and physical activity

In the central government, the Ministry of Education and Culture is responsible for creating favourable conditions for sports and physical activity as well as for the reconciliation and development of sport policy. The work is carried out in cooperation with a range of different sectors.

Policies and development »

Guidelines for the development of sport policy are set out in the Government Programme and in separate programmes.
Promotion of physical activity »

By promoting physical activity, the Ministry of Education and Culture aims to improve people’s opportunities to engage in physical activity and to create a favourable environment for civic activities and performance sports.
Financing »

The appropriations for sports and physical activity included in the Budget amount to approximately EUR 150 million. The Ministry mainly allocates funds as discretionary government grants and central government transfers.
Construction of sports facilities »

The Ministry finances and steers the construction of sports facilities.
EU and international cooperation »

International and EU-level cooperation support national sport policy and work, in particular by means of networking and exchange of best practices.
Legislation »

The Ministry drafts or participates in the drafting of legislative proposals concerning sports and physical activity that are submitted to the Parliament for decision.

Press releases

Finland a leading EU country in promoting physical activity

News item 4.11.2021 11.23

Minister Kurvinen to visit Tokyo Olympics

Press release 20.7.2021 13.00

Visual image of the Ministry of Education and Culture harmonised with that of the Government

News item 11.5.2021 8.48

At least 60 minutes of versatile, brisk and strenuous exercise a day

Press release 7.4.2021 12.08

Working group: Placing gambling proceeds within the Budget and beneficiaries under the spending limits procedure

Press release 26.2.2021 10.46