Helsinki and Espoo Say Yes to Sexual Minority Campaign, After All

The campaign is known as the “Uskalla-kampanja”, which means the “Dare Campaign" in English. It calls for athletes, fans and sports officials to fight homophobia.

Sports officials in Helsinki and Espoo originally said they did not wish to participate. However, the city of Vantaa agreed to allow the posters.

The earlier decision by Helsinki and Espoo not to take part aroused sharp criticism and a public debate. It is thought that backing for the campign expressed by Sport Minister Stefan Wallin on Thursday also influenced officials in the two cities.

The campaign includes a website in Finnish, posters and postcards that are being distributed throughout the capital region in August and September. Campaign partners include the Finnish Sports Federation and the organization for sexual equality in Finland, Seta. The campaign was funded by the European Commission.

According to Espoo's Sports Director, Mauri Johansson, the earlier decision not to take part sprang from a lack of information about the campaign. He added that he needs not only more information, but also that the various sports clubs need some guidelines about how the subject should be discussed with young people.

"In any case, it is the clubs where discussion will take place and their people don't have any tools other than a campaign brochure," says Johansson.