Holmenkollen Skifestival is not only an arena for top athletes, but also a place where volunteers can develop and experience many exciting things. Our volunteers play an invaluable role in making the ski events a success! I recently had a chat with Terje, a dedicated volunteer who has been involved in the festival for several years.
The first time you volunteered, what inspired you to join?
Terje replies that his journey as a volunteer began after he retired. He felt the need to have something meaningful to do, and Holmenkollen Skifestival became the perfect place. He pointed out the importance of having an activity that is both fun, rewarding, and useful:
«And I get all those things at Holmenkollen Skifestival.»
What is your area of responsibility as a volunteer today?
Terje describes his current role as warehouse manager or «event logistics». He keeps track of the equipment that the volunteers use to organize the ski races out in the arena, in the athlete cafes, at the children's activities or at the race offices – to name a few. Some might think that he «handles big snow machines, and groomers and stuff, but no, that's too much». For Terje, a forklift to the third floor is the most powerful thing he does.
Terje got his forklift license at the age of 66, when he was about to start volunteering in Holmenkollen in 2017. Since then, he has been in Holmenkollen one day a week. It is a fixed day of the week where he gets to tidy up equipment, meet section leaders who need help checking out equipment, and have lunch with project managers and those who work in the Holmenkollen Skifestival administration. The tasks he performs are varied and require being organized and some planning.
«The tasks are varied and require some planning. There are large values of tools and equipment, and it is alpha and omega that we can keep things in order. – I think that's a bit fun.»
Another thing Terje says he values highly is being ahead of the game before the actual events are to be carried out. He says this as he prepares for a meeting with Jens Schjerven, who is the stadium manager for biathlon. Together they will check that all the equipment is in order after last year's packing.
Can you share your best moment from Kollen as a volunteer?
Terje tells about two wonderful memories. One involved an unexpected meeting with Crown Prince Håkon last year. «The Crown Prince was a very nice guy, who is really interested in the work we as volunteers do. It was a very nice meeting.»
Furthermore, Terje describes a good memory that is about being a little ahead and having order, which meant that he was able to help another volunteer.
«A volunteer colleague came and asked: – Hey, you wouldn't happen to have a couple of beer crates, haha. – Because that would have been so practical for something we are going to build out here on Kollen. – So I said, – yes I do.
Those little things can also be a memorable moment. – I have all sorts of things in the warehouse, and after many years in this game, I know that «Petter Smart solutions» appear every year. Then I pull out from the mysterious, completely like: «Wow, do you have that too? – Yes, of course» These small moments of collaboration and joy make volunteering memorable.
What would you say to those who are wondering about becoming volunteers in Kollen?
Terje's advice to those considering volunteering is simple:
«JUST DO IT!»
He emphasized the joy of pleasing others and himself, it is a joy to do something useful.
«It is so rewarding to be involved, meet so many nice people, who are happy for help and occasionally, the opportunity to have a chat.»
What are you most looking forward to as a volunteer during this year's event?
» I look forward to experiencing the strong interaction between a thousand volunteers to make the ski races the best in the world.»
Holmenkollen Skifestival is much more than just a sports event. It is a community of dedicated volunteers, like Terje, who find joy, meaning and belonging with their commitment. So if you are considering becoming part of this amazing team, as Terje says it: «JUST DO IT!»
Sign up as a volunteer in Holmenkollen!
