Nearly 400,000 Volunteer Hours: – Making Dreams Come True

Published: 23. February 2025

By: Jørgen Ryggvik Karlsen

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2,400 volunteers make the FIS Nordic World Ski Championships in Trondheim a reality.

– This group is absolutely invaluable. Words fall short.

These are the words of Anita Llapjani, Head of Volunteering, referring to the 2,400 volunteers—ranging in age from 18 to 86—who are bringing Norway’s biggest celebration of the decade to life.

– The FIS Nordic World Ski Championships could never have been carried out without the dedication of our volunteers. It’s genuine, their commitment, smiles, and focus.

– It’s the people who make the athletes’ dreams come true, she continues.

In the lead-up to the FIS Nordic World Ski Championships, these volunteers collectively contributed approximately 398,000 hours of work to prepare for the grand event in Trondheim.

Trondheim 2025 aims to be the most sustainable FIS Nordic World Ski Championships in history. Each competition day highlights a theme demonstrating how power comes from the people.

On March 9, the theme is heroes.

An Inclusive Arena

– I signed up as a volunteer to meet people. That was my motivation, says Sigrid Saxegaard.

The 65-year-old feared spending her retirement knitting at home, feeling “old and sluggish.”

– I think it’s great to support the athletes so they can stay in their competitive bubble and perform at their best. And I love seeing all the volunteers working together, says Saxegaard.

Faktaboks

  • The Volunteer Spirit

Without 2,400 incredible volunteers, the FIS Nordic World Ski Championships would not be possible. Their efforts bring the event to life and raise awareness about sustainable choices in society.

  • Skills Development for Volunteers

An e-learning course has been developed to educate volunteers on climate issues and social sustainability, making them ambassadors for a responsible event.

  • Young Leadership Program

A program for young leaders (18–26 years) has provided training in leadership, sustainability, event management, and technology, developing future leaders.

  • Volunteer Hours

Volunteers have worked approximately 398,000 hours—the equivalent of 204 full-time jobs.

  • Diversity in Nationalities

Volunteers from 11 different nationalities are part of the team, fostering international collaboration and knowledge-sharing.

  • Gender Balance

Trondheim 2025 strives for gender balance. The organizing committee is evenly split 50/50; among volunteers, 48% are women, and 52% are men.

  • Age Inclusivity

Volunteers range from 18 to 86 years old, ensuring an inclusive and diverse community.

Saxegaard, who volunteers as a host at the cross-country arena, has formed strong friendships with six other women.

– I really hope we stay in touch after the World Championships. We’re such a great group—we’ve even planned a road trip to Italy in September, she says with a smile.

She also highlights the sense of belonging the event provides.

– It’s incredible and rewarding. Everyone is so engaged. When I do something with a heart and a smile, I get many smiles.

She is far from the only one who values the community spirit.

– Volunteering means so much. I can’t just sit in a chair all day—I have to contribute, says Martin Olav Nyeng, a fellow volunteer.

Hallvard Oddmund Dalseide agrees:

– It’s great to meet new people. I spend most of my time alone throughout the year, so being part of this feels meaningful.

– These Are the True Heroes

Trondheim 2025 is committed to raising awareness about sustainability and inspiring change. Climate change threatens winter sports, and organizing an event of this scale comes with a significant environmental footprint.

To address this, Trondheim 2025 has prioritized six key sustainability goals, including Goal 17: Partnerships for the Goals, emphasizing collaboration to create a meaningful impact.

– The FIS Nordic World Ski Championships prove that when people work together, great things happen. We want every volunteer to feel connected to our sustainability vision and inspire conscious choices to protect the future of skiing, says Llapjani.

She concludes:

– Together, we are creating a festival for the people of Trondheim—something we haven’t seen since 1997. These volunteers are the real heroes. Without them, this event would lack heart and warmth.