Organisation of Abilympics

Abilympics Helsinki 2027 competition will be held alongside the Taitaja national skills competition, creating the Skills Games mega-event at Messukeskus in Helsinki, from 10 to 13 May 2027. The Abilympics Helsinki 2027 competition will be organised in collaboration between Skills Finland and providers of vocational education and training, particularly the Ameo network of vocational special education institutions.

The concurrent organisation of the Abilympics and Taitaja competitions provides a great opportunity for collaboration between vocational special education institutions and other vocational institutions. Holding the events at the same time will also bring cost-benefits and help take sustainable development better into account in the organisation of both events. 

The Finnish Ministry of Education and Culture supports the organisation of vocational skills competitions and the Abilympics Helsinki 2027 competition. Skills Finland is also actively seeking partners to support the competition. 

The member states of the International Abilympic Federation (IAF) select the organiser for every Abilympics competition. IAF is a global association that promotes the employment and skills of those with special needs or disabilities. IAF grants the right to organise the International Abilympics competition, which is organised once every four years.

Skills Finland’s official representative in the IAF and its board is Antti Aavikko from the Live Vocational College.

Ms Katri Pokkinen from Skills Finland has been appoited as the Competition Director for Abilympics 2027. The whole personal of Skills Finland takes part in organising the competition.