Inclusive Sport Coaching seminar

Inclusive Sport Coaching seminar
14.–15.3.2025, Kisakallio Sports Institute

The seminar brought together coaches from various sports to learn how to promote social inclusion in their work. The participants gained practical tools for cross-cultural coaching, addressing athletes' special needs, and supporting their mental health. The event was hosted by sport journalist Tero Karhu.

The seminar was arranged as part of Basketball Finland's Erasmus+ Sport project 'Unified Through Basketball', which focuses on promoting social inclusion through sport. Participation was free of charge, which means that all the costs were covered except for flights. Transport was provided between Helsinki airport and the venue, the Kisakallio Sports Institute. The second afternoon of the seminar was conducted in Finnish.

Registration has ended. 

Get to know the speakers and the topics


Program

Friday 14.3. 

13 lunch

14:00 Welcome – Jaana Helminen, Unified Through Basketball, Project Leader, Basketball Finland 

14:15 Why diversity in sports matters? – Heidi Kivelä, Diversity Advocate, Women's Sport Expert 

15:00 Unlocking potential: How coaches can create equal opportunities for migrant children and youth? – Maurizio Pratesi, Director of Walter ry and Diversity/Antiracism Advisor to the Finnish Football Association & Olsi Marko, Project Coordinator, Yökoris (Midnight Street Basketball)

15:45 coffee break

16:15 Mental well-being for young athletes – Miguel Reyes, Advisor, Mental Well-Being for Young Athletes, Unit for Mental Health of Youth 

17:45–19 saunas

19:30 dinner

Saturday 15.3.  

Breakfast 

9:30–11 Adapted sports workshop (Finnish Paralympic Committee) – Lasse Tynkkynen, PGA Golf Professional and Adaptive Golf Coach & Hilla Saarinen, Coach of Applied Ice Skating and Pediatric Physiotherapist

11 lunch

*** Continues in Finnish

12 Neuromoninaisuus harrastemaailmassa -koulutus – Tarja Seppälä, neuropsykiatrinen valmentaja, Live&Learn 

14 kahvi 

14:30–15:15 Paneelikeskustelu: Yksilöllisten tarpeiden huomioiminen valmentamisessa – Paneelissa Marja Kokkonen Jyväskylän yliopistosta, Janne Keränen ja Eetu Kuisma Turunseudun Kenttäurheilijoista sekä Mostafa Asadi Me-säätiöstä.


Venue and arriving 

The seminars will take place at Kisakallio Sports Institute. The address is Kaarina Karin tie 4, 08360 LOHJA.  

Upon arrival, please register and check in at the main building. 

More information

Viola Asunmaa, Project Coordinator

viola.asunmaa@basket.fi, +368504062231