UPM supports children’s opportunities to participate in after school sports clubs in Finland

UPM’s support is targeted to local operations such as trainers’ fees, equipment and facility costs, particularly in UPM’s largest production locations in Lappeenranta, Kouvola and Rauma. The project is coordinated by the Finnish Olympic Committee.

Finland is making a lot of commendable work around children’s after school sports clubs. Although the number of clubs has increased, still two thirds of the primary school pupils are excluded from recreational after school activities in connection with the school day.

“We want to be involved in partnerships, which have a major impact on the well-being of families and the vitality of communities. Increasing physical exercise has many benefits and studies have shown that, for example, it promotes learning. We also appreciate the fact that the childrens’ after school sports clubs help families’ everyday management,” says Pirkko Harrela, Executive Vice President, Stakeholder Relations of UPM.

The goal of the project is to ensure that every child could have a hobby in connection with the school day. The project supports existing activities and will also create opportunities to introduce new after school sports clubs.

“The project is a common effort of communities, sports clubs, schools and businesses so that all children and the young find themselves a hobby they love. With the partners’ versatile co-operation, the target is possible to reach and broaden the offering of hobbies across the country,” says Pekka Nikulainen, Sports Clubs, Director of Finnish Olympic Committee.

UPM’s societal engagement activities are closely connected to company’s Biofore strategy and responsibility targets. UPM focuses on projects that are relevant to both UPM’s business and responsibility goals. The focus areas of UPM’s Biofore Share and Care programme are: Reading and Learning, Engaging with communities, Responsible water use and Boosting bioinnovations.