Application Process

The application process results were announced at the beginning of February. Upon a unanimous decision, Finland was assigned the chairship, and granted the IWG World Conference on Women and Sport in Helsinki in 2014, expected to attract almost 1,000 participants.

"As a whole, Finland submitted an impressive application, and our Co-Chair candidate was experienced and internationally esteemed. Finland also has strong expertise in promoting equality in exercise and sports," says Timo Laitinen, President of the Finnish Sports Federation.

Raija Mattila, who started co-chairing the International Working Group on Women and Sport (IWG) in September 2010, is enthusiastic and happy with the result. "The Conference and the Co-Chair are a fine opportunity for Finland. The whole Finnish society including non-profit voluntary sport movement has worked for gender equality for a long time." says Mattila, who retired from her position as Director of the Sport Division of the Ministry of Education at the end of year 2009.

Click here to view the Finnish Sports Federation's application.