Skateboarding community grows in Finland as Levi skatepark attracts new enthusiasts

This week, Yle visited skateparks in southern Finland to consult on how closely the skateboarding community has followed the sport’s inclusion in the Olympics. Levi and Sodankylä host the northernmost fully concrete skateparks in Finland. The approximately 800-square-meter Levi skatepark, built by the municipality of Kittilä, caters to skaters of all ages and skill levels, also welcoming scooter riders, rollerbladers, and BMX cyclists.

Nine-year-old Mette Ylisirkka is a familiar face at the Levi skatepark. The return to school has not hindered her enthusiasm for skateboarding, as she still finds ample time to practice after classes. “I enjoy skating on the ramps. It requires balance and board control,” she explains, noting that while skateboarding may seem easy, it takes persistent practice to master.

According to Santeri Sihvonen, Executive Director of the Finnish Skateboard Association, the Olympics have undoubtedly attracted more newcomers to the sport, diversifying the community. The women’s skateboarding competition has notably broadened interest beyond male skaters in their twenties. Additionally, the visibility gained at the Paris Olympics has boosted usage of the newly opened Levi skatepark.

Despite the long winters in Lapland, which inhibit year-round skating opportunities, Finland boasts over 10,000 skateboarders. Sihvonen points out the unfortunate closure of the Oulu Hiukkavaara skate hall due to financial difficulties, emphasizing the lack of a decent skate facility in Lapland. Rovaniemi, he suggests, requires a skate hall to enhance its appeal to the youth, especially as local skaters resort to traveling to Tornio during winter.

The Levi skatepark originated from a local initiative in 2018, spearheaded by young skater Oliver Liukkonen. Local activist Rauli Kangas, involved from the project’s inception, expresses satisfaction with the outcome, which caters to skaters of all ages. In total, there are over a hundred skateparks in Finland, though the country remains about a decade behind Sweden and Denmark regarding skatepark development, largely due to budget constraints. The total cost of the Levi skatepark was around €400,000, with €85,000 coming from a government grant for sports facility construction.