Unfortunate news for users of our sports services and the entire university community. Starting in January 2025, Zone’s funding will be significantly reduced, which will also result in a reduction of the services offered.
The current funding for sports services largely comes from the universities of applied sciences, with a significant portion provided through strategic funding received by the 3AMK alliance. This funding designated for Zone from 3AMK ends at the end of this year, and the universities of applied sciences have not committed to fully covering the lost amount from their budgets. As a result, funding for university sports will be halved. Furthermore, out of the original six participating applied universities in the Helsinki metropolitan area, only three (Metropolia, Haaga-Helia, and DIAK) will continue their involvement next year. Since spring, we have worked to secure adequate funding for sports services, but unfortunately, despite our efforts, funding will decrease.
Due to this reduction, we will have to cut staff and significantly reduce our sports offerings. We are truly sorry for the impact this has on our staff, partners, and customers.
Service Adjustments Due to Reduced Resources Starting January 2025:
- Planning and coordinating sports services will be managed by one sports planner, who will be assisted by a member of the Metropolia Student Union METKA’s board.
- Group exercise classes will be offered with approximately six hours of classes per week, over a 12-week season.
- Streaming of group exercise classes will be entirely discontinued. This also applies to special schedules, meaning that during entrance exams and other events, no instructed exercise classes will be available.
- Ball sports shifts and ball sports coordinator positions will be discontinued.
- All sports courses and trials will be discontinued.
Adjusting to these changes may take time for both Zone and METKA, so we kindly ask for your patience if responses to inquiries are delayed.
Self-service shifts (such as gym, badminton, and sports hall shifts) will continue on campuses as usual, based on agreed schedules with the schools.
We would like to thank everyone who has used our services, and we hope that despite these changes, you will continue to enjoy them next year as well!