Proud to host the Abilympics in May 2027!

Katri Pokkinen, Competition Director for Abilympics Helsinki 2027, shares her insights about hosting the 11th International Abilympics skills competition in Finland in May 2027. The blog highlights Finland’s commitment to equality and inclusion, and the collaborative effort behind organising a high-quality, accessible competition.

Katri Pokkinen

• Competition Director for Abilympics Helsinki 2027, Skills Finland 
• Extensive experience in international competition operations.
• Participated in WorldSkills and EuroSkills competitions for over 20 years in various roles, including competitor, coach, expert, deputy chief expert, Technical Manager, team leader, skill competition manager, youth forum member, and head judge at Taitaja.
• Responsible for coordinating the overall execution of four Skills in the 2022 WorldSkills Special Edition in Helsinki.

Finland is known as a safe and accessible country, where equality is at the heart of everything we do. This is a significant recognition of Finnish expertise, our education system, and our societal commitment to promoting equality. 

Since 2005, participation in International Abilympics competitions has been part of Skills Finland’s strategy, and Finland has taken part in these competitions since 2007.  

We believe that Abilympics is not just a competition – it is a powerful platform that highlights everyone’s right to quality education and meaningful employment. The competition raises awareness and promotes equal opportunities for all. Targeted work ability is the key for industry.  

The planning of the upcoming competition is carried out in close cooperation with Finnish educational network including the vocational special education and vocational education institutions. The Finnish Ministry of Education and Culture supports the organisation of the Abilympics Helsinki 2027. Also, companies play an important role in organising the competition. Our goal is to further conceptualise the International Abilympics competition so that the quality of the competition is assured also for future Abilympics competitions. 

We had a great opportunity to visit Marseille in October 2025, where WorldSkills France had their national skills competition with Parcours+ competition – a skills competition for people with disabilities. This collaboration provided a valuable chance to learn from one another. The competitions were organised together to a high standard and with professionalism, and the overall atmosphere at the event was excellent. 

At Abilympics Helsinki 2027, a total of 43 Abilympics skills will be set up at the Helsinki Expo and Convention Centre, Messukeskus, concurrently with our national skills competition, Taitaja. The Expo and Convention Centre offers accessible and high-quality facilities, ensuring a great experience for both participants and visitors. Through Abilympics Helsinki 2027, we are proud to raise awareness of the right of professionals in need of special support to access employment and to showcase the valuable skills they bring to meet the needs of today’s labour market. 

I warmly welcome everyone to Finland – whether you are a competitor, coach, expert, or simply interested in following the competition!