Nuuk buzzes
of expectationwhile the Greenland cross-country championships – Nunatsinni Pissartanngorniunneq (NP) – are just around the corner. From 1 to 5 April, the capital forms the setting for one of the year’s biggest cross-country events, where runners from all over the country gather in the battle for the championship titles.
The coming days will not only be a sporting test of strength for the country’s best cross-country skiers, but also a celebration of the sport and the community around it – both on and off the slopes.
Nuuk buzzes
of expectationwhile the Greenland cross-country championships – Nunatsinni Pissartanngorniunneq (NP) – are just around the corner. From 1 to 5 April, the capital forms the setting for one of the year’s biggest cross-country events, where runners from all over the country gather in the battle for the championship titles.
The coming days will not only be a sporting test of strength for the country’s best cross-country skiers, but also a celebration of the sport and the community around it – both on and off the slopes.
Strong voluntary foundation behind the championship
At the host club NUP – Nuummi Ujakkaartartut Peqatigiiffiat – preparations are in full swing. Behind the event are months of planning and extensive volunteer work, which now culminates in the championship days. Competition leader Erik Amondsen is looking forward to some intense days on the snow, where both participants and the audience can expect an all-round experience.
– The preparations have been good. We have had committed parents and volunteers who have put many hours into the work since the autumn. The snow and the weather have given us some challenges along the way, but we have had enough snow to be able to make a good track, which we are satisfied with under the circumstances. It has happened in good cooperation with Sisorarfiit, who are very professional in the work of making trails, says Erik Amondsen.
The work behind the scenes is crucial for a championship in Greenland to be completed – not least in a sport where the vagaries of nature play a central role.
For the relatively small club, the hosting is also a milestone that goes beyond the competitions themselves.
– It means a lot to NUP. It is a great honor to host a national championship – especially because we are one of the smaller clubs in Greenland. It gives us the opportunity to develop both our facilities, community and experience in organizing larger events. Even though most of our members do not participate in the championships themselves, we have experienced an increase in the number of members, says Erik Amondsen proudly.
Focus on audience and experience
While the runners focus on times and positions, the organizers work purposefully to make the experience better for the audience. For NUP, the ambition is clear: the championship must be felt – also for those standing along the track.
As competition manager, Amondsen is central to the proceedings, and precisely the spectator experience has been an important focal point in the planning.
– We have focused on making the championship more spectator-friendly. We have arranged the course so that the audience can see the runners several times during the races, which hopefully makes it more fun to be a spectator, elaborates the competition leader.
It is a deliberate move to bring the audience closer to the sport and create more life around the competitions. Especially the youngest also get their place in the limelight, where the focus is more on experience than results.
– In addition, we hold a slightly more technical and balance-demanding ski cross for children. We also try to create more atmosphere with music and speakers in the stadium area at Annersuaq. We also have two screenings with children aged 3-9, where the purpose is to give them an experience of a ski party and community. Here it is not about medals, but about creating a good and safe experience for children and families, points out Erik Amondsen.
A boost for cross-country skiing in Greenland
Although the championship spans five days, the ambitions are long-term. For the organizers, it is not only about running a successful Greenland Championship, but also about strengthening the sport more broadly.
The hope is that the championship can help ignite the interest of both new and existing athletes – across age and level.
– We hope that the championship can help to create increased interest in cross-country skiing for all ages. At the same time, we hope that it can inspire more events across age groups – somewhat in the same spirit as Aalasa – where community and good experiences are at the centre, says Erik Amondsen.
When the starting shot sounds in Nuuk, it is therefore not just medals that are at stake. It is also the community, recruitment and the future of Greenlandic cross-country skiing.
