NTNUI

Hu og Hei!

Finally it is here! NTNUI Klubbavisa is out with it’s newest edition – full of exciting stories, hilarious interviews, and countless highlights from 2024. Sit down, read it, do the crosswords – either alone or with someone. Enjoy the articles about our groups, or explore the fun pages at the end of the paper.

From today you can find Klubbavisa at the different campuses across Trondheim.

NTNUI is so much more than just sports. There is excitement, community, and countless opportunities to experience something new. During 2024 we have seen athletes delivering impressive results, as well as volunteers creating fantastic arenas for unity and joy – either through organized sports, joint training sessions, or spontaneous social initiatives. This is what makes NTNUI so special, and what is shown in this edition of Klubbavisa.

Get ready for a large dose of NTNUI spirit – read Klubbavisa here!

Text: Emilie Faarup Storvik
Photo: Eirik Halvard Norseth/NTNUI

Looking back at the past year, there are certain events that deserve to be highlighted once again. One of these is the appointment of Raymond Toft as a Commander of NTNUI’s Order.

During NTNUI Dance’ 40th Anniversary celebration in April last year, Raymond Toft was promoted to Commander of NTNUI’s Order. NTNUI’s Order was established in 1920 and has three grades: Grand Cross, Commander, and Knight. The Grand Cross is the highest rank, and Knight is the lowest. NTNUI’s Order is awarded to members and others for meritorious contributions to NTNUI. The Order holds significant prestige within the association and serves as a way to thank members for their efforts beyond their assigned roles.

Raymond has held several central roles in NTNUI over 15 years, including being an athlete, instructor, and board member. In 2017 and 2018, Raymond won the Norwegian Championship in acrobatic rock’n’roll. He also reached the quarterfinals of the European Championship in the same years, capping it off with a World Championship participation in 2018 representing NTNUI.

In addition to his roles as an instructor and his own sporting achievements, Raymond has held various positions on the NTNUI Dance board for over 10 years, including competition and licensing officer, deputy leader, leader, board member, and IT officer. As a board member in recent years, Raymond has focused on improving internal communication within NTNUI Dance and has been involved in developing a new website and registration system. He actively participates in volunteering activities for Dance, dance shows each semester, and maintaining technical systems.

Many group leaders also remember Raymond as someone who often led the famous dance courses during group leader gatherings at the Student Cabin.

Beyond NTNUI Dance, Raymond has also contributed to the entire NTNUI organization. He has served on the election committee, the control committee, and is now part of NTNUI’s council. He made significant contributions to the statutes committee, which was tasked by the general assembly to review and revise NTNUI’s laws. This work ensured that NTNUI’s laws align with the Norwegian Sports Federation’s legal framework, and it was completed and adopted at NTNUI’s general assembly in March 2024. Raymond has also been a part of NTNUI Moment in recent years, contributing significantly to the efforts for a new sports facility.

Raymond has also been active in several groups beyond Dance, and many know him from Calisthenics and Gymnastics. For the groups within NTNUI, he has stepped in wherever needed, whether as a chair or secretary at group meetings or by contributing to volunteer work. He has been an important sparring partner for many over the years, offering knowledge, critical questions, and insight into NTNUI as an organization. Raymond takes on responsibilities and tasks that are time-consuming, sometimes ungratifying, but essential for the future of NTNUI’s volunteer members as well as the future of the organization itself.

NTNUI thanks Raymond for his efforts and is proud that Raymond has been appointed as a Commander of NTNUI’s Order.

Today marks exactly one month until this fall’s Extraordinary General Assembly, and the time has come to welcome you to the General Assembly of NTNUI. The General Assembly is NTNUI’s highest authority, and all members have the right to vote. This is your chance to influence the direction you believe is best for the world’s greatest club – NTNUI.

The Main Board hereby calls for the Extraordinary General Assembly in Fall 2024.

Date: Tuesday, September 24, 2024
Time: Doors open at 16:30, start at 17:00. We recommend setting aside the entire evening.
Location: A1 at NTNU School of Economics (Adolf Øien Building). [Map here].
Food: Food will be served during the General Assembly.
Who: The General Assembly is for all members of NTNUI. If you have paid for an NTNUI membership and have a valid membership in the system, you have the right to vote at the General Assembly. All groups within NTNUI have the right to attend, meaning every group must be represented by at least one person.

Got something on your mind? Do you have topics you wish to bring up at the General Assembly? Send them to hovedstyret@ntnui.no by September 10.

Staup: After the General Assembly, it is tradition to head up to Studenterhytta – also known as Staup. Free transportation will be organized, but you can also participate in the traditional run up to the cabin. Free food will also be served there. Registration for Staup can be done [here]. The registration deadline is September 18.

Agenda: The agenda will be sent by email to all representatives and will be posted on our website ntnui.no by September 17.

Welcome, dear member!

Text: Nora Hveding-Kullerud & Pernille S. Osmundsen
Photo: Andreas Flo/NTNUI Blits

Our new board came into place on March 16 after an efficient general assembly. In this exclusive interview, we get to know the team that will steer the ship of NTNUI and guide us through another year of Hu and Hei!”

Leader: Eirik Skagestad Størdal

Age: 25 years
Study: Product Development and Production
Group: A not very active member in the Tinde group, previously involved in Brazilian Jiu Jitsu.
Other positions: This is actually my first proper position in NTNUI! Besides the main board, I also serve as the “Meeting and Representation Manager” in Moment, which is the political committee of NTNUI.

As the leader, Eirik is responsible for organizing the work within the Main Board and ensuring that they work towards their goals. He also represents NTNUI externally and participates in meetings with volunteer groups and other stakeholders NTNUI collaborates with.

Eirik enjoys having a lot of responsibility and working together with others towards common goals. He describes NTNUI as one of the best things about being a student in Trondheim and therefore felt compelled to seize the opportunity to become a leader. Eirik believes the position will be both educational and demanding, and he is particularly looking forward to working on major projects such as the upgrade of Dødens Dal and the new sports building.

A good memory from the time in NTNUI:
I think this year’s group gathering was a lot of fun, so that has to be it.

Deputy Leader: Ronja Pavall

Age: 21 years
Study: Psychology (Bachelor)
Group: Roundnet
Other positions: Deaputy Leader Material, Board Member Moment, aktivCampus (promotion and activity team), and Board Member Blits, Board Member Roundnet.
Former: Leader Blits, Event Manager for Veldedighetshelg (Charity Weekend), Para-sport Board Member.

The role of the Deputy Leader involves assisting both the leader and the rest of the board wherever needed. Ronja is responsible for managing the documents in NTNUI and primarily handles exemption applications, often in consultation with the rest of the Main Board.

Ronja enjoyed her work in the administration, but she wanted to be more involved in the association and contribute even more on an organizational level. Additionally, she believes this experience will be beneficial in her future career. Ronja thinks the position will be fun and educational, but also challenging, which she believes will work out fine in collaboration with “the great team” – the rest of the board. She is most excited about getting to know the rest of the Main Board better and meeting more people from the various groups.

A good memory from the time in NTNUI:
Having vors with the current and previous Main Board members from Trondheim, Gjøvik, and Ålesund before Gudenes Natteliv this spring was a lot of fun! Or the spontaneous trip to Ålesund with others from the administration to play a football match at the Color Line Stadium against NTNUI Ålesund.

Main Treasurer: Mads Fuglesang Øhra

Age: 20 years
Study: Industrial Economics and Technology Management
Group: Volleyball
Other positions: Finance Committee, Board Memeber Moment, Volleyball team manager
Former: Intro committee

The role of the Main Treasurer involves having control over and responsibility for the association’s funds. Mads follows up with and supports the treasurers of the various groups within the association, as well as managing the central accounting for NTNUI. Additionally, he serves as a sounding board for the Finance Manager.

Mads took on the position because he wants to contribute to the operation of “Norway’s best sports club”, work towards the best possible NTNUI, and get to know all of those who do important work for the association. He believes the time will be educational and hectic, with rewarding and meaningful tasks. He looks forward to long days at the Clubhouse with different people and Group Gatherings.

A good memory from the time in NTNUI:
Training camp in Røros, and “blåtur” to Athens with the Finance Committee.

Head of Economics: Julie Hansen Gleinsvåg

Age: 21 years
Study: Economics and Administration
Group: Swimming Group
Other positions: Finance Committee, Treasurer Track Committee, and Board Member Blits
Former: activeCampus promotion group, Intro Committee, Finance Manager Veldedighetshelg (Charity Weekend)

As the Head of Economics, Julie is responsible for ensuring a healthy financial operation within the club. She oversees budget allocations, follows up on support schemes, and manages financial collaborations and sponsorship agreements. She supports the treasurers of the groups and ensures, in general, that the groups have the conditions to conduct as much activity as possible with NTNUI’s financial resources.

Julie wanted new challenges and was eager to learn more about how the association operates both externally and internally. She believes the position will be very rewarding both socially and professionally. At times, it may be comprehensive and time-consuming, but she looks forward to challenging herself professionally and getting to know more wonderful and talented people in NTNUI.

A good memory from the time in NTNUI:
It has to be either the spontaneous trip to Ålesund where we played a football match against NTNUI Ålesund at the Color Line Stadium, or the “blåtur” with the Finance Committee <3

External Relations Manager: Mia Olden Larsen

Age: 26 years
Study: Master’s in Exercise Physiology
Other positions: Leader of Moment.
Former: Deputy Leader of NTNUI, Deputy Leader Swimming, and Board Member Swimming.

As the External Relations Manager, Mia is responsible for ensuring NTNUI’s relationships with external stakeholders. She attends external meetings and advocates for NTNUI’s needs and desires.

Mia enjoyed her time as Deputy Leader of the Main Board last year and wanted to delve even deeper into external affairs. During the previous term, she discovered an interest in politics, especially sports politics, and therefore felt that this role “fit extremely well”.

Material Manager: Taran Five

Age: 26 years
Study: Ocean Resources (Master’s in Marine Biology)
Group: Dance (Poledance and Hoop) and Calisthenics
Other positions: Leader Material Committee and Leader of Active Campus.
Former: Material Manager Main Board, Deputy Leader and activity Leader in activeCampus, Deputy Leader Event, and Board Member Veldedighetshelgen (Charity Weekend)

As the Material Manager in the Main Board, Taran is responsible for approving group/committee logos, clothing designs, and merchandise orders. She also oversees Shoppen, NTNUI’s online store, and all inventory and storage space.

Taran enjoyed her role as Material Manager so much last year that she wanted to continue this year as well. She finds it to be an exciting and challenging position where she can indulge her joy for organization and order. With experience in the role, Taran believes that this year she can “enjoy the chaos” in a whole different way and expects the position to be both cozy and hectic. She looks forward to all the little moments they will share at the Clubhouse and to celebrating May 17th together. Perhaps there will even be a Main Board vacation this summer!

A good memory from the time in NTNUI:
It must be the Main Board vacation we had last year. We traveled around and visited each other from Molde to Tjøme. It was the best vacation ever. And of course, activeCampus is my little baby, so all the activeWeeks I’ve helped organize are very fond memories too.

IT Manager: Andreas Flo

Age: 21 years
Study: Computer Science
Group: Fencing
Other positions: Photographer and Deputy Leader Blits.
Former: Intro Committee

Andreas’s task as IT Manager is to maintain order in all IT systems. He collaborates closely with NTNUI Sprint, Sit, and the rest of the Main Board to keep the systems organized and efficient.

Andreas was recommended to join the Intro Committee, and after shadowing the former IT Manager, Ole Marius, it felt natural to take over this role in the new Main Board. He is looking forward to meeting even more fantastic NTNUI members and collaborating with Sprint.

A good memory from the time in NTNUI:
I’ve experienced a lot of fun with NTNUI, but I especially want to highlight all the exciting assignments I’ve had as a photographer in NTNUI Blits. I’ve had the opportunity to join Topptur and Frikjøring to Vassfjellet, taken pictures of Sailing from a RIB outside Skansen, captured many cool moments of various sports during SL23, and much much more. Additionally, I can’t forget to mention Group Gatherings and Gudenes Natteliv. These events are always incredibly fun!

HR and Administration Manager: Emilie Sofie Eilertsen

Age: 21 years
Study: Psychology (Bachelor)
Group: Roundnet
Other positions: Board Member Blits and Board Memeber Roundnet.
Former: activeCampus promotion group and Promotion Leader Veldedighetshelgen (Charity Weekend).

The HR and Administration Manager is responsible for the follow-up of Admin and serves as their liaison between Admin and the Main Board. Her tasks include follow-up and work with the HSK groups and coach responsibilities.

Emilie wanted to join the Main Board because she is interested in working on the operation of NTNUI and wants to facilitate as much activity and good moments as possible. She looks forward to collaborating with all the wonderful people in NTNUI and working together with the rest of the Main Board.

A good memory from the time in NTNUI:
One of my best memories must be the somewhat spontaneous football match trip to Ålesund and the many fun Admin gatherings and Group Gatherings we’ve had.

A good memory from the time in NTNUI:
I have many fond memories from my time in NTNUI, but the very best ones are from Gudenes natteliv and Group Gatherings! It’s always nice to meet so many happy NTNUI members at once.

Facilities Manager: Håkon Håve Smørvik

Age: 26 years
Study: Teacher Education in English
Group: Basketball
Other positions: Board Member Basketball, team leader for NTNUI Geezez, and referee in Basketball.

Håkon has primary responsibility for NTNUI’s facilities, primarily focusing on Dødens Dal and its operations, as well as working on potential future facilities.

Håkon says he has gained a lot from NTNUI, and this position is a way to give a little back. He says it’s pretty cool to be part of leading Norway’s largest sports club and is especially looking forward to the opening of Helgasetr and NTNUI making its mark in this building.

A good memory from the time in NTNUI:
First and foremost, all the people I’ve gotten to know through participating in sports at NTNUI. The best memory I have is from the SL (Sports Week) in autumn 2022 in Bergen after a long break without SL.

Today is exactly one week to the Ordinary General Assembly for NTNUI 2024! Here are the case papers for the meeting:
CASE PAPERS ORDINARY GENERAL MEETING 2024

Summarized:
Date: Saturday 16th of March 2024
Time: Admission from 10:00, start 11:00. Recommend setting aside the whole day.
Location: A1 at the NTNU Business School (Adolf Øien building). Map here.
Catering: Food will be served during the general assembly.
For whom: The general assembly is for all members of NTNUI. If you have paid NTNUI membership and have valid membership in the membership system, you have the right to vote at the general assembly. All groups in NTNUI are required to attend, which means that all groups must present at least one representative.

Text: Ronja Pavall
Photo: Asle Heide Vaskinn & Lukas Feldman

In NTNUI’s column “Volunteer of the Month,” you get to meet some of the dedicated volunteers in NTNUI who contribute invaluable efforts. In February, you will meet the project manager in NTNUI Koiene, Ingunn Egeberg Vári.

Ingunn is Koienes’ great optimist. In no way is Ingunn lazy, neither in administrative matters nor physically. Ingunn is not afraid to take charge and sort things out. She also has great enthusiasm and curiosity for Koienes’ history, and is currently responsible for the jubilee book for Koiene’s 75th anniversary. Ingunn also chose to continue being part of the cabin committee last autumn, even though she knew she would be going on exchange to France this semester. Even though she has been in France, she participated digitally in most meetings.

– Runhild Aakre, board member Koiene

How did you end up in NTNUI?
I’ve been involved in orienteering since I was little, and as a student, you know that if you want to run, NTNUI has the largest community. When I first came to Trondheim, I found so many other things I wanted to do that orienteering wasn’t my top priority anymore, but after a little over a year, I wanted to come back and joined then!

How did you find your way to Koiene?
I lived in the O-kitchens at Moholt, and I had been on some cabin trips that were fun. Additionally, I lived with some people in the cabin committee. I became curious about how things worked behind the scenes and eventually joined the committee.

Have you been studying since 2017?
Actually, I started studying in 2015, initially focusing on physics and mathematics. I switched my studies around a bit, and now I’m in my fifth year of medical school. It’s been quite a journey!

Wow, impressive! What position do you hold now?
I’m the Project Manager. I started as the Information Officer, but I wanted to work more on the history I discovered about the Cabins, so I began with the jubilee narrative. It became so much work that I couldn’t juggle both roles as Information Officer and Project Manager. It was perfectly fine to make the change since roles in the cabin committee shift a bit according to needs.

How is it to combine responsibilities with studies, both in medical school and with the cabin committee?
I actually find it manageable. Fortunately, a lot of the cabin committee work falls outside of the semester, which makes it easier to participate!
That’s good to hear, it makes sense!
It really comes down to priorities. If I’m not enthusiastic about something, I won’t perform well regardless. So, I think it’s better to invest time in responsibilities and focus on studies when I’m feeling motivated. There are periods when I’m really enthusiastic and just think about the project for weeks, but then I need to switch to something else, which could be studying.

Which cabin is your favorite then?
Hmm, I think that’s a bit of a personal question. Is it appropriate to ask someone on the cabin committee that?
Maybe not, but I had to try. Are there any cabins you’ve been to more than others?
I’ve visited them all, and there’s one I haven’t stayed overnight at, just a day trip to set up mouse traps. They really just have to be experienced firsthand.

What do you think about the label “Volunteer of the Month” or “Ildsjel” that has now been attached to you?
Well, you know, in the context of cabins, we’ve had a couple of fire incidents, so I don’t want it to catch any more fire than it already has. Just kidding, but there are incredibly passionate individuals in various ways, so I feel that in cabin meetings, everyone is enthusiastic together, which fuels an even bigger fire! It also gives us the opportunity to showcase what we do in the cabins and try to spread the good message.

Do you have any recommendations for people who want to go on a cabin trip but are unsure which one to choose?
The cabins are divided into different difficulty levels; some are easily accessible, while others may require more experience in hiking and camping. It’s also nice to visit a cabin that is suitable for the number of people you are traveling with. One that might be a good start, easy to find with good bus connections, but still gives you the feeling of being in the woods, is Rindalsløa. It could be a great start to an adventure!

You mentioned that you’re working on a 75th anniversary book, could you tell us a bit about it?
It all started when I was new to the committee and went on a cabin trip, where I found some older booklets with stories and pictures. Reading through them, I was fascinated by the events that had taken place over the years, the different cabins that had existed, and the new ones that had been built. The more I read, the more I felt it would be a shame not to share this with people who are interested.
Yes, there must have been a lot that has happened and changed over the years.
I can choose how big the book should be and what limitations there might be; there are so many stories that you can’t tell them all anyway. All those books that are at the cabins, where people write every time they go on a trip, shouldn’t be replaced, so you almost have to go on a cabin trip and read the book there. Read it where it belongs.

It must be so fun to read about what people have experienced at the different cabins!
What’s cool is that even when you read about events from many years ago, a lot of the same things come up; people getting lost, having parties, or bringing lady-visitors to the cabin!

What is your own best memory from your time in the cabins?
A couple of things stand out. The days when there was a big volunteer effort at Holvassgamma this summer. In both June, there were ten days of volunteering, with 18 people stopping by. The atmosphere was incredible. I was there continuously for ten days, and it felt like I lived there. Another memory was when the most inaccessible cabin needed firewood; there were 15 of us filling sacks with firewood and hiking up to the cabin. Then we went back down to get food and overnight gear before hiking back up. It was over 25km, and it was pouring rain, but everyone remained positive!
That’s quite an achievement!
But it’s not just about volunteering. Two years ago, during Easter, my partner and I hiked between many different cabins. It’s important that even though you’re in the cabin committee, you still get to go on other trips than just volunteering, so I have many great hiking memories too!

What is your relationship with NTNUI’s colors?
Over the years, I’ve become convinced that those are the right colors, and my mother was also in NTNUI. When I was little and we went on trips, she wore her old NTHI jacket. So I’m so used to the colors and that’s what NTNUI is, so it’s hard to imagine anything else.
What did your mother participate in at NTNUI?
Orienteering! But she also has pictures in photo albums showing that she went on cabin trips.
Wow, that’s cool! Following in her footsteps then.
Yes, I suppose I am!

The volunteer of the month is a regular column created by the promo team in collaboration with the photographers in NTNUI Blits. Would you like to nominate someone for the firebrand of the month? Send to blits-promo@ntnui.no

Text: Norun Kjerstad
Photos: Mare Nyvoll & Norges Dykkerforbund

From the 16th to the 18th of February 2024, NTNUI-DG UVR (Underwater Rugby) organized the B-Series Cup in Stjørdal. We had a referee course on Friday, where everything went as planned except that part of it had to be conducted partially over Teams because the course leader was home sick.

The cup day started, in tradition, with the leader of DG jumping into the pool from the highest diving tower wearing a full tuxedo and chains. Several volunteers from DG helped with setup, the kiosk, and cleanup. They were a great help. We also had underwater rugby players with swimming bans in the secretariat to maintain order.

There were players from Kristiansund, Sandefjord, Ørlandet, Trondheim, and Tromsø participating, with several never having played in a cup before. This caused a shortage of some swimwear and equipment at the beginning, but the puzzle was eventually solved. As the number of players from each place varied, mixed teams were formed, except for Tromsø, which competed alone as SURK. Kristiansund and Ørlandet were grouped together as K-Ø, and Trondheim joined Sandefjord to form DG-Fjord-ÆN and DG-Fjord-2. There was great effort from all teams, and K-Ø took a commanding victory, while DG-Fjord-ÆN ended up in last place and won the wandering trophy. The trophy was engraved and sent home with the Sandefjord team, as an encouragement for revenge next year.

The newly trained referees were supposed to officiate entire matches with the help of two experienced referees. This went mostly smoothly, and when individual players were about to complain to the referee and realized the referee was one of their teammates, they kept quiet. Some of the novice referees still didn’t know how to use the signal system and whistle properly, so some confusion and unnecessary pauses occurred.

The award ceremony took place at Dypet (DG’s basement at Moholt) with pizza and leftover cakes from the kiosk. We had managed to make three times as much food for the kiosk as necessary, so it was good that it was all eaten. After a fantastic and slightly exhausting day, it ended perfectly with almost everyone continuing to the party.

Overall, the weekend was a great success, and we hope to repeat it next year. Join and try it!

Notice to the Ordinary General Meeting in spring 2024

Today is exactly one month until the spring general assembly and the time has come to welcome you. The General Assembly is NTNUI’s highest authority and all members have the right to vote. This is where you can influence the direction you think is best for the world’s best club – NTNUI.

The executive board hereby convenes an ordinary general aasembly in the spring of 2024.

Time: Admission from 10:00, start 11:00. Recommend setting aside the whole day.
Location: A1 at the NTNU Business School (Adolf Øien building). Map here.
Catering: Food will be served during the general meeting.
For whom: The general meeting is for all members of NTNUI. If you have paid NTNUI membership and have valid membership in the membership system, you have the right to vote at the general meeting. All groups in NTNUI have the right to meet, which means that all groups must present at least one representative.

Something you want to say? Do you have matters you would like to bring up to the general assembly? Send it to hovedstyret@ntnui.no by March 2.

Staup: After the general meeting, it is a tradition to go up to the Studenterhytta – also called Staup. Free transport will be organised, but it is also possible to take part in the traditional race up to the Hut. Free food is also served there. Signing up for Staup is here. The deadline for registration is 10 March.

Case papers: The case papers are sent by email to all shop stewards and posted on our website ntnui.no before 9 March.

Welcome, great member!

Text: Emilie Sofie Eilertsen
Photo: NTNUI Blits and Private

In NTNUI’s column “Volunteer of the Month,” you get to meet some of the dedicated volunteers in NTNUI who contribute invaluable efforts. In January, you will meet the River Chief in NTNUI Paddling, Bendik Stenberg.

He is the Rover Chief in the paddling commitee a position he has held for almost 1.5 years. Prior to that, he served 1.5 years as the Sea Chief

He is responsible for organizing 3 basic courses per semester, in addition to 1-2 advanced courses. Thus, he often has the responsibility of coordinating activities over many weekends in a row. In addition to this, he serves as the main instructor during Tuesday training sessions. This year, I believe there have been no more than 1-2 training sessions he hasnt`t participated in (and often as main instructor). As the river chief he is also responsible for coordinating activities during each training session. He was also one of the two main organizers on the river during the annual “Sjoatur”, with around 20 paddlers on the river.

– Thea Kristine Terjesen, Leader NTNUI Paddling

Who are you?
I thrive with a full calendar and get bored quickly if there’s too much downtime. I like when there’s a lot happening so I can be productive efficiently!

How did you end up in NTNUI?
It took the pandemic to free up space in my calendar for paddling, as it is a great outdoor activity that allows for social distancing. I had some experience in sea kayaking, and I was asked to be an instructor in NTNUI, teaching courses. Then, there happened to be an open position in the committee, and the then-leader invited me on a trip to Munkholmen, presenting a sort of sales pitch. So, I went from not being a part of NTNUI at all to suddenly being accepted into the paddling committee.

But you started as the Sea Chief and are now the River Chief, what do these roles entail exactly?
One is responsible for activities either on the sea or riverfront. This includes organizing courses, maintaining equipment, and ensuring that training sessions are carried out effectively. It also involves some delegation. In essence, you’re responsible for making things happen in the area you oversee. For example, in the fall, we held five basic courses because there was a lot of interest.

What would you say is the best thing about your position?
I would say the best thing about the position is that when you’re part of a committee, you’re usually with those who are the most enthusiastic and committed to keeping activities going. It’s incredibly fun to be a part of it, and you feel a greater sense of ownership of the club. I also find it can be dull to just be a participant on a trip, but if you organize and have a hand in it, it’s more enjoyable. The people in the committee are a very pleasant group, so it’s really nice to have a role in the committee.

So the organizational aspects and the governance involved in such a position are quite enjoyable?
Yes, it’s really fun. At times it has been quite busy because when you have a role in planning and choosing dates, you often end up checking your own calendar and selecting weekends with no prior commitments. Last fall, I didn’t have a single free weekend until November, and this was decided before the semester even started!

But you do find this to be just fun?
Oh yes, of course you can feel a bit overwhelmed at times. Serving on a committee can be time-consuming because you spend a considerable amount of time planning, but you want to be a part of all the fun things you plan too!

How did it go in combination with your studies then?
It actually went quite well. When you’re procrastinating on studying, spending time on productive NTNUI Paddling tasks is quite convenient.

What do you think about the label “volunteer of the month or Ildsjel” that you have now received?
Well, I was very surprised, and it came out of the blue. It’s an honor, and I really appreciate receiving such recognition for the work I put in. I also want to emphasize that there are incredibly many people working together and deserving of praise. We are a committee that invests a lot of time and collaborates on tasks.

What makes you happy?
Oh! Hmm… I’ve had many great moments out in the kayak. Personally, I often use the word “blissful” instead of happy because experiencing a blissful calm and peace, as I often do in the kayak, is very nice. It turns out that in my blissful or happy mode, I tend to become quiet and peaceful. Once on a trip, I was misunderstood for being grumpy and cold, and it seemed like I was having a bad day. It should be mentioned that it was quite cold on that trip, so it might have seemed like I was therefore freezing and having a bad day, but in reality, I was just finding true calm and happiness in the moment. The extreme nature one gets to see from the kayak and seeing nature from such a perspective gives a great sense of joy and an absence of worry and stress.

Have you ended up in the river or the sea during a kayaking trip?
Oh yes. It happens that you end up in the water and have to take a little swim, but it’s part of the game. The worst part is actually the cold temperatures when putting on the spray skirt. The cold temperatures makes the spray skirt quite difficult to work with and I sprained my thumb this fall in an attempt to put it on.

Would you say being part of the committee and organizing trips and courses is the reason you get involved?
It’s a significant part of it. You feel that you are useful and can use your skills in a good way. It’s also a lot of fun with the courses. Basic courses and introducing newcomers to the sport are also big motivations for putting effort into the role.

Do you have any advice for others considering committee positions?
I would encourage it! The hope is that the things we do in the paddling committee, for example, make it easy for others to take over the baton. My goal is that when I leave the committee, it should be well-functioning and enjoyable to take on that role. It’s also important that when you take on a committee role, you need to dedicate some time to it, but my experience from the paddling committee is that it has given me much more than it has taken. It has given me a great and large community that I will continue to stay in touch with both in and out of the water. It’s definitely worth taking the risk if you’re considering a committee role. You just need to be good at knowing your own limitations and use the others in the committee to make the workflow smooth.

We usually end with a lighthearted question or dilemma. Rowing’s tights or the devil’s hat?
It has to be Rowing’s tights, it’s cool!

The volunteer of the month is a regular column created by the promo team in collaboration with the photographers in NTNUI Blits. Would you like to nominate someone for the firebrand of the month? Send to blits-promo@ntnui.no

Text: Pernille Svartveit Osmundsen
Photo: Viggo Jakobsen/Globetrotter event og artist & Nils Dittritch/NTNUI

NTNUI Orientering was honored as the student sports team of the year when Trøndelag’s sports circle was assembled in early in November 2023.

For the 14th time, Idretten’s Heiderskveld was organized in November. Here, the best in the Trøndelag sports circle gathered and were honored for their achievements both nationally and internationally. Scholarships, achievement awards and spirit awards were handed out to honor the many people who help create sports engagement and joy in Trøndelag. This time, NTNUI Orienteering was honored with the Student Sports Team of the Year award for the stable and good results in the club. The student club also asserted itself during the prestigious Tiomila last spring, which helped them get the award. NTNUI Orienteering has not won during Tiomila since 1992 when they won the women’s class, and last year they managed to win for the first time in the open class which ran through the night.

The gala outfits were on and NTNUI’s leader Jenny Hunvik was on stage to present the award for Student Sports Team of the Year in front of a fully packed cinema hall at Nova Kinosenter. Hunvik says that NTNUI Orienteering has accomplished an incredible feat in 2023 and that it is difficult for those outside the orienteering community to understand how big it actually is to win Tiomila. She further says that being able to award the Student Sports Award in 2023 to Orienteering feels right, as they really deserved that honor and that she felt lucky to have the honor of handing out the award itself during Idretten’s Heiderskveld in November.

Stepping onto the stage to receive the award on behalf of NTNUI Orienteering were Eirik Langedal Breivik and Anders Vestøl, both of whom contributed to NTNUI Orienteering’s victory in the prestigious Tiomila. Vestøl expressed his excitement about receiving the award, emphasizing its significance given that orienteering is not among the largest sports in Norway. “It was a bit more formal than I had expected” he replied when asked about his experience of the evening, and added that it means a lot to be recognized this way. Also Lars Sandstad, leader of NTNUI Orienteering, emphasizes that it is not always easy to be seen when you perform in a sport such as orienteering. Therefore, such recognition for the entire club’s achievements throughout the year is extra nice.

The victory in Tiomila meant a lot to the student club. Vestøl, which has himself participated twice in the championship, says that winning was prestigious and absolutely huge, especially when they have to manage “all by themselves”. The event is a highlight within orientation, where many clubs participating have a lot more money to spare, including funds for coaches, among other things. Nevertheless, the student team, which is driven by volunteerism and has a high turnover of members, managed to win the international competition.