Ari's efforts to bring his disabled child to the gym encountered a significant hurdle due to a policy from the gym chain Liikku, which mandates that personal assistants for disabled clients must have their own memberships. This policy has drawn criticism, leading the Equality and Non-Discrimination Board to determine in September 2023 that the gym's practices discriminate against disabled individuals. As a result, the case is now pending in the highest administrative court in Finland after Helsinki's administrative court dismissed Liikku's appeal in June 2025.

The CEO of Liikku, Johanna Riihijärvi, has expressed the company's desire for the highest administrative court to clarify the interpretation of the equality law in relation to entrepreneurial freedom. Liikku has grown to become Finland’s largest gym chain and claims that its facilities are accessible under specific conditions. They offer unrestricted access to their gyms for assistants accompanying disabled clients on certain days and times, yet require them to hold their memberships at all other times. This approach suggests an ongoing tension between ensuring equitable access for the disabled and the business's operational policies.

This situation raises significant questions regarding the balance between commercial interests and the rights of disabled individuals. The ongoing legal proceedings could set important precedents for other businesses in Finland and impact the broader discussions surrounding inclusivity and accessibility in public spaces. When commercial policies hinder equal access, it calls into question the effectiveness of existing laws designed to protect vulnerable populations.