Exercise for special groups
The Sports Services organises physical activity for special groups. These groups are suitable for adults and children with disabilities and long-term illnesses. The objective of the exercise groups is to improve and maintain the participants’ health, functional capacity and physical fitness as well as to offer them social contacts, joy and recreation. Information about these groups can be found in a brochure that is published annually.
Applications for a place in instructor-led special exercise groups
You can apply for a place in special exercise groups twice a year, in autumn and spring. Registration for exercise groups is primarily done online. You can also contact the instructor of the group in question to ask about free places.
Target groups
Exercise groups are available for different target groups:
- Persons with sensory disabilities
- Breathing exercises
- Persons with intellectual disability
- Mental health
- Memory association
- Neurological disorders
- Osteoporosis
- Weight management
- Psoriasis
- Rheumatism
- Cardiac exercise
- Musculoskeletal groups
- Disability pensioners
Adult-child exercise club for special children
This club is for children aged between 7 and 12 years who need special support. The group practises a variety of basic physical activity skills based on a cooperative principle. This means that the child’s parent or assistant stays with the child during the activities. The participants practise their motor skills by means of obstacle courses, exercise through play and ball games.
Swimming
Fundamental swimming skills for special needs children
The group is intended for special needs children who cannot swim. The children get used to water as an element, learn to use different types of swimming aids and practise basic swimming skills. Two types of groups are available: cooperative ones (adult–child), in which each child must have an adult or assistant in the pool, and groups that operate independently in the pool with an instructor.
Special swimming card
The special swimming card is intended to promote the independent swimming activities of people with different disabilities and long-term illnesses. It is no longer possible to buy a special swimming card in 2024. Previously purchased special swimming cards are valid until the end of their validity period.
More information
If you need more information about sports clubs and other actors that organise activities for athletes with disabilities or people in need of special support, you can find plenty of tips on the national website of the Finnish Sports Association for Persons with Disabilities VAU.