Arctic Race of Norway continues the collaboration with Idretten Skaper Sjanser

October 26 ^th 2021 - 10:12

When Arctic Race of Norway kicked off in august, Idretten Skaper Sjanser took part with a very special cycling team.  

Through a collaboration between the cycling race and the Idretten Skaper Sjanser, 22 athletes cycled all four stages ahead of the race. With support staff and coaches the group counted 35 people in total. In the group there were people with challenges linked to drug addiction, as well as inmates from Bjørgvin prison, who completed the race in an impressive manner. They all started at Nordkapp and then cycled parts of the distance to Tromsø before the race, in total completing 950km before crossing the final finish line in Harstad.

Now, Arctic Race of Norway and Idretten Skaper Sjanser have decided to continue the collaboration. Idretten Skaper Sjanser is an activity offering with a low barrier to entry aimed at people with challenges linked to drug addiction and will be the third social partner to the Arctic Race of Norway alongside Bufetat and NAV.

- We are very proud to partner with Idretten Skaper Sjanser, whose work is so important to a lot of people in a difficult situation. The importance of togetherness and being part of a team is key in sports and a fantastic tool to create positive experiences for people with challenges linked to drug addiction as well as other challenges in their daily lives, says Knut-Eirik Dybdal, director at Arctic Race of Norway.

Arctic Race-ambassador Thor Hushovd rode one of the stages with the athletes from Idretten Skaper Sjanser. He was impressed by both their effort and their skills. - It was great to see how athletes who’ve had some big challenges in their life, to say it mildly, completed stage after stage in this year’s race. It was fun to cycle with them and it will be good to have them back next year, says Hushovd. 

Idretten Skaper Sjanser is owned by the Norwegian Cycling, Skiing and Equestrian federations, who collaborate with sports clubs all over the country. Idetten Skaper Sjanser works to bring people who have fallen out of society back in, so that they can use their resources to the best for both themselves and society. 

- Sports creates feelings of togetherness, accomplishment, responsibility for the team and promotes good health both physically and mentally. It was fantastic to be part Arctic Race of Norway this year, and we are very happy to extend the collaboration and become a social partner, says Morten Nyborg, Director of Idretten Skaper Sjanser.

Nyborg is happy about all the positive attention the participants got during the Arctic Race of Norway. - Arctic Race is a fantastic opportunity for us to be visible. We’re included, and our athletes, with their challenges, are considered true participants and members of the sports family, says Nyborg.