How to develop local physical activity promotion programmes with national support: the Finnish experience

Stimulated by recent research findings regarding the health effects of physical activity, an extensive policy development for sports and for health took place in Finland in the early 1990s resulting in two national programmes. The 'Finland on the Move' programme's aim was to stimulate new local projects by financial support, training and consultation services, and media promotion. The evaluation of the programme listed several general characteristics of successful local projects. The ongoing 'Fit for Life: programme is based on the experience gained from the previous programme, but is focused mostly on the 40-60-year-olds as a target group, and utilises a more intensive mass media approach. It is concluded that the two programmes have been successful in creating plenty of new local initiatives and increasing population participation related to physical activity. The Finnish experience demonstrates that deliberate efforts to communicate scientific knowledge can lead to a better acceptance of physical activity on the national level and that well-planned and sensitive state-level support of grassroots activities can succeed. (C) 1998 Elsevier Science Ireland Ltd.