In the selection of the 2025 Helsinki-based club, special emphasis will be placed on promoting safer hobbies for children and young people. In a safe club, children and young people can exercise without bullying, harassment, racism or other inappropriate behaviour. Inappropriate behaviour is addressed quickly and proactively and prevented by a wide range of measures. A safe club environment provides positive experiences in a supportive and appreciative atmosphere, which promotes social safety and a sense of community.
Helsinki-based athletes, clubs and coaches have been awarded since 1964. In line with tradition, city residents can influence the selection process by nominating distinguished athletes, clubs and coaches as award recipients. We consider all sports for the awards.
The 2025 selection will take the achievements of athletes, clubs or coaches between 15 April 2024 and 15 April 2025 into account. The Helsinki Athlete or Team of the Year will be awarded a EUR 10,000 stipend, the Helsinki Sports Club of the Year a EUR 5,000 stipend, the Young Helsinki Athlete of the Year a EUR 2,500 stipend and the Helsinki Coach of the Year a EUR 2,500 stipend.
City residents now have the opportunity to nominate candidates for the awards and put forward their reasons. You can submit your proposal along with your supporting reasons using the online form by 16 April 2025. You can nominate a candidate for every category or just some of them. We require a statement on the achievements or other notable activities of the nominated person, team or club.
Suggest the Helsinki Athletes of the Year using the online form(Link leads to external service)
Selection criteria:
HELSINKI ATHLETE OR TEAM OF THE YEAR
The main prize is awarded to a Helsinki-based athlete or sports team. We use the following criteria to evaluate the recipients of the grand prize:
• we always award the best athlete: individual, team-sports athlete or team
• the athlete receiving the award must be a registered resident of Helsinki at the time of their achievements and when they receive the award
• the review period is 16 April 2024–15 April 2025
• the grand prize is EUR 10,000
YOUNG HELSINKI ATHLETE OF THE YEAR
We use the following criteria to evaluate the recipients of the prize:
• we award a young athlete who has made a breakthrough to the top of their sport
• the athlete receiving the award must be a registered resident of Helsinki at the time of their achievements and when they receive the award
• the review period is 16 April 2024–15 April 2025
• the amount of the award is EUR 2,500
HELSINKI-BASED SPORTS CLUB OF THE YEAR
We use the following criteria to evaluate the recipients of the prize:
• we award a Helsinki-based coach whose athlete or team has achieved significant success
• the coaching of the award-winning coach must comply with ethical principles
• the coach receiving the award must be a registered resident of Helsinki at the time of their achievements, and when they receive the award
• the review period is 16 April 2024–15 April 2025
• the amount of the award is EUR 2,500
HELSINKI-BASED COACH OF THE YEAR
We use the following criteria to evaluate the recipients of the prize:
• we award a Helsinki-based coach whose athlete or team has achieved significant success
• the coaching of the award-winning coach must comply with ethical principles
• the coach receiving the award must be a registered resident of Helsinki at the time of their achievements, and when they receive the award
• the review period is 16 April 2024–15 April 2025
• the amount of the award is EUR 2,500
Helsinki Athletes of the Year throughout history:
1964 Kaija Mustonen, speed skating
1965 Pentti Linnosvuo, shooting
1966 Rainer Stenius, athletics
1967 Eila Pyrhönen, swimming
1968 Pertti Pousi, athletics
1969 Olli Laiho, gymnastics
1970 HIFK, ice hockey
1971 Kauko Kangasniemi, weightlifting
1972 Leo Linkovesi, speed skating
1973 Tapio Kantanen, athletics
1974 Mona-Lisa Pursiainen, athletics
1975 Riitta Salin, athletics
1976 Pentti Aminoff, powerboat racing
1977 Kari Markkanen, canoeing
1978 Anssi Rauramo, basketball
1979 HJK, football
1980 Leena Salmenkylä, orienteering
1981 Esko Rechardt, sailing
1982 Juha Salonen, judo
1983 Jukka-Pekka Väyrynen, karate
1984 Puotinkylän Valtti, football
1985 Juha Ovaskainen, diving
1986 Lahja Hämäläinen, disabled sports/ice sledging
1987 Pontus Jäntti, badminton
1988 Tea Vikstedt, cycling
1989 Botnia-69, bandy
1990 Jari Kurri, ice hockey
1991 Kyra Kyrklund, dressage
1992 Markus Ketterer, ice hockey
1993 Susanna Rahkamo, figure skating
1994 Jokerit, ice hockey
1995 Ville Peltonen, ice hockey
1996 Mira Kasslin, track cycling
1997 Torpan Pojat, basketball
1998 Kristian Heinilä, sailing
1999 HJK, football
2000 Sami Vaskola, aerobics
2001 Thomas Johanson and Jyrki Järvi, sailing
2002 Sari Multala, sailing
2003 Mikael Forssell, football
2004 Mika Poutala, speed skating and roller skating
2005 Marjaana Väre, disability sports/athletics
2006 Ville Peltonen, ice hockey
2007 Olli-Pekka Karjalainen, athletics
2008 Janne Heikkinen, volleyball
2009 Salibandyseura Viikingit, floorball
2010 Tomi Tuuha, artistic gymnastics
2011 Mikael Granlund, ice hockey
2012 Tuomas Kärki, footbag
2013 Toni Piispanen, track cycling
2014 Ossi Väänänen, ice hockey
2015 Tomi Tuuha, artistic gymnastics
2016 Kaisa Sali (b. Lehtonen), triathlon
2017 Kristiina Mäkelä, athletics
2018 Marigold IceUnity, synchronised skating
2019 Viveca Lindfors, figure skating
2020 Toni Piispanen, track cycling
2021 Lotta Kemppinen, athletics
2022 Emil Soravuo, artistic gymnastics
2023 Viivi Lehikoinen, athletics
2024 Martti Puumalainen, judo
