Arctic Race of Norway awarded "External Event of the Year» in Norway
February 15 th 2016 - 18:52
Managing director of ARN, Knut-Eirik Dybdal, had the privilege of receiving the prestigious "External Event of the Year" prize, during a ceremony in Oslo Concert Hall in January.
Norway's largest international cycling race also got attention during the awards for winning the “Pearl of the Year” prize, for its collaboration with Sparebank1 Nord-Norge. This prize was awarded based on the votes cast by members of the Norwegian Sponsorship and Event Association. Moreover, the Arctic Race of Norway had received nomination in the category "Sponsorship of the Year".
A popular celebration
The Arctic Race of Norway now enters its fourth year and has gradually grown to become a category 2HC race, well established on the international cycling calendar.
The prize of "External Event of the Year" recognizes both this position and the race's standing among participants, spectators and collaborative partners, affirms Knut-Eirik Dybdal.
As an event, the Arctic Race of Norway's main objective is to become a total encompassing event, promoting Northern Norway and the whole country. It represents a popular celebration, a sports event and an experience of nature, all at the same time. Add the local enthusiasm in Northern Norway and you get something quite unique, Mr Dybdal adds.
Praise of the jury
The jury of the Norwegian Sponsorship and Event Association gave the following justification when awarding this year's prize to the northernmost cycling race in the world: “The Arctic Race of Norway has in only three years developed from being a cycling race to becoming a total event that promotes both Northern Norway and Norway to an international audience. The event takes on a leading role in the development of Northern Norway as a tourist destination. The high sportive level attracts international cycling stars that accompany TV viewers through spectacular stages in stunning North-Norwegian landscapes. In parallel, local enthusiasm promotes Northern Norway as an attractive region to live in. It is this jury's great pleasure to award the “External Event of the Year” prize to an event which, year after year, not only strengthens its own position, but that of a whole region”.
Head of communications in Statoil, Reidar Gjærum, states that Statoil is very happy to be main partner of the Arctic Race of Norway.
At Statoil we are impressed by the achievements of local forces in Harstad and their organizing partners. Together they have laid the foundations of the Arctic Race of Norway and as main partner of the ARN we look forward to the continuation of this great sports event in Northern Norway, Mr Gjærum affirms.
The other nominees for the "External Event of the Year" were Starcom, DNB and Playroom, Just Cruzin' Production, Norwegian Association of Breast Cancer and Norwegian Cancer Society, along with Holmenkollen Ski Festival.