Team JääLeidit is based in Helsinki and competes in the Adult category. 

While synchronized skating celebrates its 40th anniversary in Finland this year, the adult team JääLeidit from Helsinki marks 20 years of synchro, led by team spirit and determination.

Team JääLeidit, based in Helsinki, has been a cornerstone of Finland's adult synchronized skating scene, celebrating its 20th anniversary this season. Coached by Maarit "Mauri" Helander, the team, made up of 22 skaters, trains twice a week on the ice, supplemented by off-ice sessions—an intensive schedule for an adult team in Finland.

"This current season is my 14th season with JääLeidit and I have to say that time really does fly when you are having fun and you enjoy what you do," says Sanna Laiho, team captain. "Our coach Mauri has seen the potential in us and has had the courage to challenge us and develop our skills and she is also very committed to what she does."

Skating in a category with 29 other adult teams, JääLeidit have also faced hurdles. Sanna recalls, "One season we had very little skaters and did the program only for 12 skaters. We have been forced to rebuild the team and develop skills all over again. We also have to time to time talk about what kind of team we want to be and what we want to achieve. It is very important to have a unified perception of who we are and where we stand as a team."

Reflecting on cherished memories, Sanna highlights the camaraderie that flourishes both on and off the ice. She remembers their "trip to Bavaria Cup season 2022-2023 and the unforgettable charter bus trips to and from the competition. Sometimes the best times with the team happen off ice. And of course, I want to mention those magical moments when our program is perfectly executed on ice. I get easily goose bumps just watching our videos."

The current season, themed "Ode to dreams - 20 years of skating joy", encapsulates the team’s legacy and hopes. “Our costumes are more decorative than ever. Our goal this season is of course to make our way to our category’s final competition (only 12 teams of 29 will make the cut!) but also to have fun, and to develop our skills as a team as well as individuals," Sanna explains. With a goal of reaching the national finals—where only 12 teams qualify—JääLeidit is also gearing up for international competition at the Lumiere Cup in the Netherlands in February.

"Our slogan is 'everyone is valuable to the team as they are.' It's a principle I’m proud of and strive to promote," concludes Sanna. As a team, JääLeidit aim to grow technically, but they never forget the joy and friendships that make it all worth it.