From Skåne to Åland – an active life at a new pace

With 30,000 residents and 70 associations across approximately 40 different sports, Olof Hansson sees a rich sporting life in Åland.
– Basically everything is available here, it's incredibly fun!

From motocross to sports consultant

An interest in exercise and sports has been there for a long time. Growing up on a farm in the countryside near Trelleborg, with many opportunities nearby, Olof almost stumbled into sports.

– At home I could ride motocross, and I played football – but it was ice hockey that really got me. My dad was also my coach.

After Trelleborg, sports science studies in Gävle awaited, followed directly by work within various Swedish sports federations. In Gävle he also met his wife from Åland, and after ten years in the city, the couple decided to move to Åland.

– I already had a positive image of Åland before we moved, but I had mostly been here during the summers before.

An intense start 

Then things moved quickly. The house in Sweden was sold and the couple moved into an apartment on Ålandsvägen in the heart of Mariehamn. They managed to live there for two months before buying a house in a residential area in southern Mariehamn, all within the space of three months.

– Then a new job on top of that – plus all the practicalities of moving to a new country, getting a bank card, finding out what applies regarding taxes and house purchases, and learning all the new routines.

During the transition, he has appreciated the personal service and quick assistance from various authorities.

– It's nice to have personal contact and not be passed around or end up in long phone queues.

More quality of life and fewer choices

After the intense start, Olof is glad the move happened during the quieter winter half of the year. It gave him time to settle in and focus on work. At the same time, Åland's principle of closeness offers a pace that suits him.

– You essentially have large parts of what you want – and need – within very close reach. That creates a more relaxed environment, you avoid commuting and constant stress. Work can of course be stressful here too, but then it's nice to have nature around you and everything close at hand.

He also feels that Åland has a broad offering, even if the selection is smaller than in a larger town – which he sees as something positive.

– You avoid a thousand choices and that can be a relief. Everything you need to feel good is here, but not necessarily everything, all the time. It also makes you appreciate things more when you do go away.

Commitment to sport

In his role as sports consultant, Olof is among other things a fitness trainer for upper secondary students specialising in elite sports. Previously, he has mainly worked with coaching education and developing associations.

– It's fun to work practically with young people. At the same time, I'm passionate about leadership and want to create environments where people grow and want to come back. It's easy to forget the importance of leadership, but it lays the foundation for the entire sports movement.

For newcomers who want to find sports and associations in Åland, Olof suggests first thinking about what you enjoy, and then browsing the associations listed with Ålands Idrott.

– That's a good first step, otherwise most things are just a Google search away!
He also highlights the Ålandic sporting spirit.

– When I saw my first IFK Mariehamn ice hockey match, I was surprised by how large the crowd was. That's typical of Åland – everyone shows up, regardless of the level.

For his own part, it's currently walks and various forms of gym training that are on the agenda. Ice hockey is still tempting, as is motocross, but he hasn't yet taken the plunge.

Looking forward to the summer

Ahead of his first summer in Åland, Olof looks forward to discovering the archipelago and welcoming visits from family and friends in Sweden.

– We don't have our own boat yet, but I still hope to get out on the water. It will be fun to show off Åland and share what we've found here.

Many summer evenings in the garden are also likely to follow.
– It's something of a hobby – fixing things up, creating outdoor spaces and putting our own stamp on our new home.