The Unified Through Basketball project includes two seminars - the first focusing on the latest research in the field of social inclusion in sport and the second on multicultural coaching. We are looking forward to welcoming anyone interested in this topic regardless of sport.
Latest Research from the Field -webinar
Date: Friday, May 16, 2025
Time: 10:00–11:15 (UTC+3)
Speakers: Dr. Anni Reuter, University of Helsinki & Jatta Muhonen, Doctoral student at University of Helsinki
Dr. Anni Reuter works as a researcher at the Centre for Research on Ethnic Relations and Nationalism (CEREN), at the University of Helsinki. She has done research on ethnic minorities, inclusion, and racism. Most recently in the project Integration and Empowerment: Organized Sports and Newcomers in Finland, which she will discuss in the seminar.
The two–year project (1.1.2023–31.12.2024) intends to examine the link between opportunities for involvement in organized sport and social integration of newcomers in Finnish society. We are specifically interested in how such a participation can contribute to individual and collective empowerment of persons with a migrant background. Sport is said to offer immigrants a wide range of integration potentials, thus opening ways for newcomers to gain a foothold in society. However, some social groups due to gender, ethnicity, religion, or socio-economic background are held back from joining sport clubs. We will investigate the integration prospects of organized sports from a structural and an individual perspective.
Cross-Cultural Coaching -webinar
Date: Friday, May 23, 2025
Time: 10:00–11:15 (UTC+3)
Speaker: Dr. Riku Laanti, Cross-Cultural Management and Communications Specialist
Riku Laanti has provided cross-cultural coaching programs and training to coaches, athletes, sports managers and referees in various different sports. This has included participation in the Finnish Football Associations UEFA Pro program, training for FIBA’s Nordic referees, running sessions to the Finnish Basketball National Team, teaching in several different Finnish Sports Institutes and university level Sports Management programs in Finland and internationally, and consulting individual coaches and athletes about the topic.
Riku has held senior management positions in Finland and internationally since 1992. He has provided consulting and training services to governmental organizations and multinational companies across a wide range of industries, including chemicals, education and research, energy, media, food, ICT, life sciences, manufacturing, mining, retail, services, and sports.
With experience working with people from over 50 countries, Riku brings a truly global perspective. He holds a PhD in International Business and Strategy (Adelaide) as well as an MSc in International Business and an MBA in Finance (Aalto University).
A former basketball player, Riku spent 10 years in Finland’s top league and competed internationally with the Finnish national team at both senior and junior levels, including appearances in European club competitions. He holds a Level II Basketball Coaching Certificate and currently coaches junior teams at ToPoLa.
Webinar Content