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International Abilympics 2027 to be held in Helsinki

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In 12 months’ time, the city of Helsinki will welcome the world to the Abilympics, a skills competition that recognises the importance of diversity and inclusion in the labour market.

 

Skills Finland has invitated all Members of the WorldSkills movement to join them in Helsinki for the 11th International Abilympics, which is scheduled for 10-13 May 2027. The event will showcase 43 different skills and is open to anyone aged 15 years or over with special needs or disabilities.

International Abilympics Helsinki 2027 is being organised by Skills Finland with the support of the Finnish Ministry of Education and Culture and in partnership with many of the country’s vocational education and training providers.

Now in its eleventh edition, the Abilympics continues to offer a global platform to those skilled individuals who require special support, raising awareness of their right to access employment and demonstrating the valuable contribution they make to today’s labour market.

Finland was selected to host the competition in October 2023 by the International Abilympic Federation (IAF). The country has been a long-time supporter of the event, having first participated in 2007, and as host of the International Abilympics Conference in 2010.

The first International Abilympics was held in Tokyo, Japan, in 1981, founded on the belief that skills have no boundaries and that every person deserves the opportunity to demonstrate their abilities. Since then, the competition has grown into a truly international event, with the IAF now representing more than 40 member countries.

With exactly one year to go until International Abilympics Helsinki 2027, Skills Finland sent out a call for WorldSkills and WorldSkills Europe Members to take part.

Registration for the competition opens from 1 September to 31 October 2026. For countries not yet affiliated with the IAF, applying for membership is free and can be arranged through national IAF member organisations.

Learn more about International Abilympics Helsinki 2027, including how to register.

Two competitions under one roof

The International Abilympics Helsinki 2027 will be held concurrently with Taitaja2027 (Finland's National Skills Competition) under the banner Skills Games - a major event featuring up to 80 skills in total.

Skills Games highlights the potential of vocational professionals requiring special support and provides young people with a broad view of the diverse opportunities in vocational education.

Organised by Skills Finland and Omnia, the Joint Authority of Education in the Espoo region, together with 20 vocational institutes in Finland, Skills Games will be open to the public and free of charge.