HELSINKI – WORLD GYMNAESTRADA
Perfect size. Gymnastics will be seen. Gymnasts will be stars. Compact. Connected. Easy to reach. Everything close. Easy to move around by foot. Updated existing excellent venues. In the heart of the City. Clean. Experience. Host of many large international events. Happiest country in the world. Unique, lifetime experience. Live every moment. Memories that last forever. Value for money.
We have the expertise –and we´re ready to take the next leap for the World Gymnaestrada.
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Welcome to the Happiest World Gymnaestrada!
Our venues
Support letters
IT IS MY GREAT PLEASURE TO EXPRESS MY STRONG SUPPORT for the Finnish Gymnastics Federation’s bid to host the World Gymnaestrada 2031 in Helsinki, Finland.
I had the honor of serving as Chair of the Honorary Committee during the World Gymnaestrada 2015 in Helsinki, an event that brought together thousands of participants from around the world in a celebration of movement, joy, and community. That experience demonstrated Finland’s ability to deliver a world-class event that reflects the values of inclusivity, sustainability, and cultural exchange.
Helsinki is a vibrant, human-scaled capital with exceptional facilities, efficient transport, and a deep commitment to sustainability. Ranked number one in the Global Destination Sustainability Index, Helsinki offers an inspiring setting for an event that promotes health, equality, and global togetherness. With strong support from the Finnish Government and the City of Helsinki, I am confident that Finland can once again host an unforgettable Gymnaestrada.
I wholeheartedly endorse this bid and encourage the International Gymnastics Federation to grant Finland the honor of hosting the World Gymnaestrada 2031.
Tarja Halonen, 11th President of the Republic of Finland
THE FINNISH GYMNASTICS FEDERATION’S World Gymnaestrada project has strong support from both the Finnish state and the City of Helsinki. Together, we want to hold a sustainable and high-quality major event to bring the international gymnastics family together in Helsinki for a second time. In line with our strategy, we want to create new, unforgettable moments in gymnastics – moments that will live on forever in participants’ hearts. We are experienced in organising major events, and we have enthusiastic volunteers and a strong community with a passion for gymnastics. Large delegations of Finns have participated in all World Gymnaestrada events. We have received so much, and we now want to give the good back – to offer unique memories to gymnasts from all over the world. Helsinki is the perfect size for the World Gymnaestrada: a city where we can be seen and heard. Where every gymnast can shine like a star. It is our dream to host the World Gymnaestrada in 2031. We are ready to welcome you to Helsinki!
Mira Keränen President of the Finnish Gymnastics Federation, Finnish Olympics Committee Vice-president
FINNS ARE KNOWN FOR THEIR LOVE OF SPORT. Finland also has a longstanding reputation as a safe and reliable host country for major sports events and physical activity gatherings. We are committed to organising events that reflect the core values of Finnish sports culture: grassroots participation, promotion of gender equality, and respect for the principles of sustainable development. Finland’s strength lies in its solid experience and expertise in hosting international sports events. And our Government Programme aims to further strengthen Finland’s role as an international organiser of sports and physical activity events. We therefore warmly welcome all those involved in sports events to make the most of our top-class facilities. In today’s world, sport and physical activity play a more important social role than ever. They support the overall growth and development of children and young people, promote health and wellbeing, and help shape culture and identity, both in Finland and around the world. But this role is not guaranteed. It depends on strong values, responsible practices and the ability to adapt to a changing world. The gymnastics movement is uniquely placed to lead the way in this development. Gymnaestrada, with its scale and diversity, is a powerful expression of the vitality of our physical activity culture. Together with the Finnish Gymnastics Federation and the City of Helsinki, we believe we can once again offer participants an unforgettable and meaningful experience in Finland in 2031. I warmly invite you to join us in building a sustainable and inclusive future for physical activity – together.
Mika Poutala Minister of Youth, Sport and Physical Activity
FUNCTIONAL, MODERN, ACTIVE AND SAFE, Helsinki is globally recognized as an event city. Our actions speak louder than words: Helsinki has a proven track record of hosting successful international events, supported by a well-connected airport, efficient public transport and high-quality venues. Helsinki is a forward-thinking, human-scaled capital that combines innovative urban solutions with rich cultural heritage and stunning nature. As a vibrant and accessible city, Helsinki offers an inspiring and functional setting for all types of sports and athletic feats. Sustainability is taken in consideration in all actions by the city. Helsinki is committed to the United Nations Sustainability Goals and exceptionally ambitious climate goals. We are extremely happy that the efforts have started to bear fruit as Helsinki was ranked number 1 in the Global Destination Sustainability Index 2024. In 2025 Helsinki received the Green Destinations Certificate granted by the Global Sustainable Tourism Council. Our new City Strategy 2025–2029 explicitly highlights the significance of international events in making Helsinki the vibrant Nordic capital we aim for. The World Gymnaestrada supports these objectives as a diverse, international sports event that is open to everyone. This is why on the 17th of March the City Board of Helsinki decided to commit to facilitating a successful World Gymnaestrada 2031 in Helsinki. Helsinki has had the pleasure of hosting the World Gymnaestrada previously in the year 2015. I warmly welcome the World Gymnaestrada event to Helsinki once again. Helsinki will do its utmost to ensure a successful and an enjoyable stay for all participants.
Daniel Sazonov Mayor of Helsinki
I AM DELIGHTED TO CONFIRM that the Finnish Olympic Committee is strongly supportive of the Finnish Gymnastics Federation´s bid for the World Gymnaestrada 2031.
City of Helsinki and Finland have a great track record of hosting the world´s largest and most impactful sporting events. Moreover, the Finnish Gymnastic Federation has a long history in hosting large scale events nationally and internationally. The 2015 Helsinki Gymnaestrada was a huge success, and Finland warmly welcomes the international gymnastics family again to the Nordic Capital in 2031.
Here in Finland, we are ready to unite the world via this event – through the power of working together, with joy, respect, and in the spirit of friendship.
Petteri Kilpinen President of the Finnish Olympic Committee
Meet part of our happy team
Front, from left:
Liisa Ahlqvist-Lehkosuo, Finnish Olympic Committee Sport Director, Gym for life evaluator, Mira Keränen, president of Finnish Gymnastics Federation, Marja Räisänen, WAG jugde, Paragymnastics and special olympics advisor and judge
Behind, from left:
Päivi Tamminen, gymnastic for all, project manager, Anne Vierelä, member of World Gymnastics gender equality committee, Jani Tanskanen, vice-president of Finnish Gymnastics Federation, General manager Team Finland Athletics
