Winter sports grants announced – a hefty pot for combined athletes

For example, the combined Olympic medalists received the greatest support Ilkka Herola and Eero Hirvonen as well as promising Minja Korhonen. Korhonen, 19, received a significant increase in support, as last year he received only EUR 6,000 in aid.

In addition, the recipients of the larger grant included alpine skiers Eduard Hallberg and Nette Kiviranta and biathlon Olli Hiidensalo. Among the freestyle and freeski competitions, four athletes received the biggest support from OKM.

On the other hand, 18 athletes received a smaller grant of 12,000 euros. Among others, hill jumpers received less support Antti Aalto, Niko Kytösaho and Jenny Rautionaho.

OKM decided on the grant recipients based on the Olympic Committee’s proposal.

Minister responsible for sports Mika Poutala comment on grants in the bulletin.

“Athletes’ long-term wish for two-year grant decisions has now been realized. It makes it possible to invest fully and long-term in the athlete’s career,” says Minister of Sports, Sports and Youth Poutala.

In addition top coaching a total of 2,316,000 euros was granted to six winter sports associations. The biggest support, 1.1 million euros, went to the Ski Federation. The Ice Hockey Association received 716,000 euros, the Biathlon Association 270,000, the Snowboarding Association 120,000, the Figure Skating Association 80,000 and the Ice Skating Association 20,000.

For the year 2026, grants have already been awarded to a total of 76 athletes in summer sports.