"Speed is within us" – Verkkokauppa.com accelerating Finland's top sports talents

Verkkokauppa.com is launching a long-term partnership with three promising young Finnish athletes. The collaboration brings together athletic performance and the company's core values: speed, continuous improvement, and being a trailblazer.

The new sponsorship program features professional tennis player Oskari Paldanius and track and field prospects Emma Tainio and Joonas Kumpulainen.

The partnership focuses on supporting young athletes' daily lives and development during pivotal phases of their careers.

"We want to provide young athletes with a stable foundation and the resources to focus on what matters most—training. The speed and ability to react to situations required in sports are the same qualities we use to build the future of retail. These young athletes embody the determination and pioneering spirit we want to support," says Verkkokauppa.com CEO Panu Porkka.

A new generation pushing the limits of speed and success

The agreements are tailored to each athlete's individual needs. The athletes shared their thoughts on the partnership:

• Oskari Paldanius (tennis): The 18-year-old tennis player, selected for the Finnish Olympic Committee's Next Generation Team Finland group, recently turned professional after an impressive junior career that culminated in Grand Slam doubles victories at the French Open and Wimbledon.

"I'm really excited about this partnership with Verkkokauppa.com. Its positive energy, speed, and agility are values and pillars that also support my own journey toward my goals and the world's top. As an active Verkkokauppa.com customer, it's amazing to have the company's trust behind me. This partnership has real power and speed, whether it's Verkkokauppa.com's services or my game plan on the tennis court."

• Emma Tainio (sprinting): A sprinter competing primarily in the 100 and 200 meters, who won her first senior Finnish championship in the 200 meters at the indoor nationals in Kuortane in February 2025 with a time of 23.97.

"I'm really excited about this partnership with Verkkokauppa.com! I feel our values align well and our brands support each other. We both know our thing and do it boldly, unapologetically. Speed is at the core of my sport, so the concept's slogan fits perfectly. Thanks to Verkkokauppa.com for this partnership! See you on the track!"

• Joonas Kumpulainen (middle distance): A middle-distance runner representing Orimattilan Jymy, currently completing his military service at the Santahamina Sports School until fall. In summer 2025, Joonas represented Finland at the U20 European Athletics Championships and the senior Finland-Sweden dual meet.

"It's wonderful to be part of Verkkokauppa.com's new athlete team! It's great that a major Finnish company is stepping up to boost Finnish elite sports and support us young athletes on our journey to the top."

Responsible sponsorship and long-term support

Verkkokauppa.com's sponsorship philosophy is based on responsibility, transparency, and a commitment to support athletes. The "Speed is withinin us" concept demonstrates the company's commitment to investing in young people and the future precisely when support is most critical—for example, when transitioning to professional competition or balancing military service with competitive sports. Support agreements are made one year at a time with the goal of building long-term partnerships.

Learn more about Verkkokauppa.com's charity and sponsorship principles.

Additional information
press@verkkokauppa.com (Ulkoinen palvelu)

Verkkokauppa.com
Verkkokauppa.com is Finland's leading online retailer, offering a wide range of products from home technology to leisure and business needs. Operating since 1992, the company is one of the world's oldest online retailers, combining e-commerce and physical stores into a seamless omnichannel customer experience. Verkkokauppa.com's four megastores are located in Oulu, Pirkkala, Raisio, and Helsinki's Jätkäsaari district. To deliver an exceptional customer experience, the company delivers products to your door in as little as one hour, around the clock, using automation and robotics. Verkkokauppa.com employs approximately 600 people, and the company's shares are listed on Nasdaq Helsinki.