Ole Kristian Halvorsen has been a volunteer since he was sixteen. Now he is receiving the award from the King, 65 years after his grandmother.
– Shocking and unexpected, but I really appreciate this. And I find it very rewarding to achieve something together with others, says Halvorsen.
Gets the young involved
Ole Kristian Halvorsen (71) has for years lined up with a whole troop of young volunteers from Hvittingfoss for both event weekends in Holmenkollen.
– It's incredibly cool to be involved in such a professional event as Holmenkollen Skifestival. The young people I bring along think it's fantastic to be involved, and when I see the sparkle in their eyes, that's reward enough for me, he says.
– He introduces and inspires young people to volunteer. Ole Kristian, this medal is so incredibly deserved. Kudos to the Royal House for always supporting volunteer work, says the general manager of Holmenkollen Skifestival, Stefan Marx.
The King's Medal of Merit was established by King Haakon VII on February 1, 1908. It is awarded as a reward for efforts of a particularly socially beneficial nature in areas such as art, culture, science, business, social and humanitarian work.
Dedicated family
In addition to making a huge effort every year in Holmenkollen, Halvorsen has also volunteered in a number of other places, such as the Kongsberg Jazz Festival, the Olympics in Lillehammer and MGP.
Ps. 65 years ago, his grandmother also received this award from the King, writes Laagendalsposten. She was active in the Women's Public Health Association and was the country's first female deputy sheriff, the newspaper writes.
