Inclusion in sports is more than good intentions—it demands results. That’s why both the Finnish Athletics Federation’s Talo Project and the We Foundation place strong emphasis on impact measurement: to ensure their initiatives make a real difference in the lives of children, youth, and families.
Long-distance runner Mustafe Muuse captures the heart of this mission:
“I dream of a world where every child, adult, and young person feels valued precisely because they are different. I dream of sports that are not only about competition but about building bridges, supporting fellow human beings, and creating hope.”
The Finnish Athletics Federation is currently running a bold initiative called the Talo Project—“talo” meaning house in Finnish—symbolising a shared and welcoming space for everyone in sports.
Funded in part by the European Union, this three-year project seeks to build new pathways to participation, well-being, and integration for children, youth, and families with immigrant backgrounds. Sports clubs and recreational activities are the primary vehicles. “Athletics is very popular in Finland, but the focus often lies on elite athletes. However, children and youth are also at the heart of the Federation’s activities,” says Mikko Kivi, CFO of the Finnish Athletics Federation.
Despite this focus, children and youth with immigrant backgrounds have been underrepresented. The Talo Project aims to close this gap with concrete, community-based action. “We create networks and service chains, help clubs become more accessible, build inclusive operational models, and communicate best practices in several languages and channels,” says Project Manager Sanni Soilampi.
What does this look like in practice? Low-threshold activities such as:
sports integrated into school or daycare routines,
free or affordable athletics programs,
and multilingual guides to financial support for hobbies.
The project also sets clear, measurable goals:
1,000 athletic trial sessions
100 new regular participants
10 adults involved in coaching or club operations
50 inclusive events across Finland
“I would dare say we will meet all these targets. The project has only been running in pilot clubs for two months, and we already have seven adults participating in coaching,” Soilampi notes.
While the Talo Project builds metaphorical homes, the We Foundation operates a literal one in Mellunmäki. Their Meltsi open community space offers a safe space for local children and families, providing parenting support, hobby groups, and volunteer-led activities—all free of charge.
“Mellunmäki is one of the most socioeconomically disadvantaged areas in Helsinki. In such neighborhoods, there are fewer opportunities for leisure and sports activities,” says Katja Anoschkin, Social Impact Specialist at the We Foundation.
The goal is to reduce inequality, prevent exclusion, and boost inclusion, especially among families that cannot afford traditional hobbies.
Founded ten years ago, the We Foundation works nationwide to reduce child and youth inequality. Its focus is backed by research and data. “There are as many children and young people at risk of poverty and exclusion in Finland as there are residents in a mid-sized city. Many are excluded from free-time activities,” Anoschkin explains.
For the We Foundation, measurement is essential.
“Projects don’t have much value unless we can demonstrate they work,” Anoschkin emphasizes.
Their studies have evaluated not just their own programs, but also public sector and club-led activities. The findings are clear: to reach youth at risk of exclusion, activities must be accessible and socially supportive.
Free-time programs held during the school day are particularly effective for disadvantaged youth and those who speak a language other than Finnish or Swedish at home. The presence of even one friend in a group greatly increases a young person’s likelihood of continuing the activity. “But often, the most vulnerable children are the ones without friends,” Anoschkin adds. “That’s why we need to focus on creating those social ties.”
Though different in scale and setting, both the Talo Project and Meltsi share a powerful vision: a Finland where no child is left out because of their background, and where every young person feels they belong.
As the We Foundation’s research shows, inclusion isn’t just about access. It’s about connection. And in the end, that’s the most powerful impact of all.