Barents Summer Games Brings International Youth Sports to Oulu in August 2026

Oulu is preparing to host an international youth sports event as the Barents Summer Games 2026 will take place in the city in August 2026. Preparations are progressing in a systematic manner in close cooperation with local sports clubs, national and international partners, as well as volunteers.

The Barents Summer Games will bring up to 1,000 young athletes to Oulu from Northern Finland, Sweden, and Norway. The aim of the event is to promote youth physical activity, intercultural understanding, and a strong sense of community. The core values of the Games are respect, integrity, and friendship, and these values are reflected both in sporting performances and in the event’s side programmes.

Local sports clubs at the heart of the event

Sports clubs from Oulu and the surrounding region play a central role in organizing the Games. The clubs are responsible for sport-specific arrangements, guiding volunteers, and presenting their sports to international participants. The preparations offer clubs an opportunity to develop their expertise in organizing an international multi-sport event and to build new cooperation networks across the Barents region.

On PoP Liikkua goes Barents brings Barents Games Sports for everyone to try

As a part of the Barents Summer Games programme, Oulu will also host On PoP Liikkua goes Barents event days, which bring the competition sports and the joy of physical activity to city residents even before the actual competition weekend.

During these event days, children, young people, and families will have the opportunity to explore Barents Games sports at a low threshold in different parts of Oulu. The programme includes sport demonstrations and hands-on trial opportunities, organized in cooperation with local sports clubs. The aim is to inspire residents of Oulu to be physically active, try new sports, and find enjoyable pathways into sports and physical activity, while also encouraging audiences to attend and follow the Barents Games competitions.

Sport, culture, and accessibility

The Oulu Barents Summer Games is more than just a sports event—it is a broad celebration of physical activity and culture. In addition to the competitions, the programme will include events open to everyone, such as an opening ceremony and sport trial activities. All competition events are free of charge for spectators.

Preparations continue toward August 2026

The project plan and division of responsibilities for the Games have been defined, and preparation work will continue actively throughout spring and summer 2026. The goal is to provide young athletes with a high-quality and safe international competition experience and to create a city-wide celebration of sport and culture in Oulu that can be seen and felt well before the competition weekend.