The Finnish Ski Federation is aiming for savings of almost half a million euros in the coming months.
The sprint skiing event at the Helsinki Olympic Stadium was a bad money hole for the Ski Federation. KIMMO BRANDT, AOP
The Finnish Ski Federation and its commercial marketing company Nordic Ski Finland Oy lay off their staff for 4–8 weeks, depending on the task.
In addition to the layoffs, the Ski Federation will reduce human resources by the amount of three personnel years, reduce national teams’ camps and, where applicable, allocate savings to coaching and competition activities.
The adjustment decisions were made in the recently completed change negotiations of the Ski Federation.
With the solutions made, the Ski Federation aims to balance its financial situation with slightly more than 400,000 euros by October 31.
– However, the decisions made now are necessary in order to secure our operations and operating conditions in the future as well, Executive Director of the Ski Association Ismo Hämäläinen commented in the announcement.
The measures concern a total of 29 employees of the Ski Association and four employees of Nordic Ski Finland.
Expenses grew too much
According to the Swedish Ski Federation’s press release, the weakening of the economic situation has mainly been influenced by inflation.
– The general increase in the price level and, for example, flight and accommodation costs has contributed to a larger than expected increase in total costs, Hämäläinen explained.
For example, the Helsinki Ski Weeks held at the Olympic Stadium turned out to be too expensive for the Ski Federation.
– Built as the third cornerstone of major events, Helsinki Ski Weeks has not been financially profitable, even though it has received excellent feedback as an event.
The ski association’s measures do not endanger the core functions of the sport, even if, for example, the national team’s camp days are reduced.