Originally based in Järvenpää, ONIT Sport has established itself in Jyväskylä after moving there in the summer of 2024. The company is now focusing on identifying local sports organisations and potential partners while strengthening its role in the city. To support this work, ONIT has brought in a new team member, Hermanni Salomaa.
The decision to move to Jyväskylä was influenced by the city's solid reputation in both technology and sports sciences, explains ONIT Sport's founder and CEO, Laura Andelin.
- Since Jyväskylä is now ONIT's headquarters, I want to reinforce our presence here, says Andelin.
Salomaa has joined the ONIT Sport team to oversee development and partnerships in the Jyväskylä region. He holds a degree in physical education and health science teaching from the University of Jyväskylä, as well as a master’s in international sports and exercise psychology. In addition to his education, he also has a background in competitive sports.
- This is an incredible opportunity to be part of the team and learn from ONIT’s experts. Now that I am here, I am ready to show what I can do, Salomaa says.
Jyväskylä Offers Key Elements for ONIT Sport
All ONIT experts are self-employed. The company provides them with its brand but requires a certain level of education and expertise in return.
- Not just anyone can be an ONIT expert. For us, maintaining high standards is a matter of pride. For instance, it is important that our experts understand how to work with children and young people, Andelin explains.
Currently, ONIT Sport has offices in Helsinki, Espoo, Järvenpää, Kuopio, Tampere, and now Jyväskylä. Brick-and-mortar services account for about 40–50 % of the company’s revenue. While scaling up digital services will remain a priority for the future, local expertise will support the use of these digital tools. Andelin points out that Jyväskylä has a number of resources that are useful for ONIT Sport, such as §the Faculty of Sport and Health Sciences, the KIHU Research Institute for Olympic Sports, and the city's strong business network.
- As I am just getting to know the local area, I would like people to contact both Hermann and me if they have any questions," says Andelin.
She also sees Jyväskylä as a potential testing ground for developing business partnerships. Ideally, companies would start to look at sponsorship in a broader sense and support teams through initiatives such as ONIT's Skills License programme, which enhances the mental health skills of children and young people.
- Helmet stickers are important, but what if we focused more on what’s happening inside the head, Salomaa suggests.
A "Feel-Good Gala" to Brighten Up November
Andelin has ambitious plans for the rest of the year, which even she herself finds exciting and unnerving. Nevertheless, she has learned to think big and share her ideas with others. ONIT Sport is planning a "Feel-Good Gala" in November to highlight effective solutions and models for tackling mental health challenges.
- Currently, there is a lot of talk about mental disorders and illnesses. One of our core themes is to change the way we talk about these issues. Our message is that everyone has mental health needs, and there have always been challenges - they are a normal part of life. Mental illness itself is relatively rare, and we have excellent tools to strengthen mental well-being. The way we talk about mental health really matters, especially for children and young people, stresses Andelin.
- The words "illness" and "problem" can make children feel that there is something wrong with them. Instead of this kind of approach, it is important to focus on solutions," adds Salomaa.
Throughout her journey, Andelin has learned the importance of reaching out for help.
- I have taught myself to say out loud if I need help. The Finnish mentality breeds perseverance and determination, which are great qualities, but in reality, the real secret to growth and long-term success is knowing when and how to ask for help.
This article is part of the ecosystem work on Sport, Health and Wellbeing, funded by the Regional Council of Central Finland (ERDF) and coordinated by the City of Jyväskylä's Business Development Services.
