Inspiring More Children to Get Active

Leo’s, the Nordic indoor playground chain, and the Finnish Ice Hockey Association have signed a multi-year partnership agreement. Over the next few years, Leo’s will act as an official partner of both the Finnish Ice Hockey Association and the Leijonat Hockey School.

The main goal of the partnership is to inspire more children to be physically active and to discover the joy of movement – through play, games, and a sense of community. A key part of the collaboration is the Leijonat Hockey School, organized for children under 8 years old across Finland by the Ice Hockey Association and local clubs. Leo’s will support the program in the coming years.

The partnership will also include various events for children and family-focused activities at international ice hockey games.

“We want to spread the joy of movement and, above all, encourage all Finnish children to be active from an early age. Together with the Finnish Ice Hockey Association, we now have even more opportunities to achieve that,” says Gabriel Bergqvist, Marketing Director at Leo’s.

Leo’s is committed to helping children from low-income families try ice hockey. Based on applications, a group of children will be selected to participate in the Leijonat Hockey School free of charge starting in September 2025.

“We want to lower the threshold for trying a new sport and offer unforgettable physical activity experiences to as many children as possible – regardless of background,” Bergqvist summarizes.

Leo’s will also launch a Leo’s X Leijonat special edition collection in its playgrounds. Proceeds will go directly to the Finkey Foundation, which supports ice hockey participation for children and youth from low-income families.

The partnership will be officially launched on Thursday, April 24, in Rauma, when the Finnish national team faces Sweden’s Tre Kronor as part of the spring training series for the World Championships.

During the game, mascots Leo and Finkey will host a Meet & Greet event at the Leijonat Store, where guests can also spin a prize wheel and win fan merchandise. Leo’s will also offer fun activities and giveaways throughout the arena during the event.

“We are truly excited to welcome Leo’s into the Leijonat family and as the newest partner of the Leijonat Hockey School. We share a mission to get Finnish children moving – both on and off the ice – and to bring the joy of activity to kids everywhere,” says Lassi Rönkkönen, Director of Sales and Marketing at the Finnish Ice Hockey Association.