Elite Sport Builds Competence – Seminar during the Arctic Race of Norway

Description

The seminar brings together representatives from sport, business, academia, and the public sector to examine how the principles of elite performance can be transferred to professional environments and regional development. Participants will gain insight into how goal-oriented work, high-performance culture, teamwork, resilience, and continuous improvement are valuable competencies applicable across many industries.

Hosted by Roger Finjord, the program features presentations from leading experts and elite athletes. Tonje Hinze from Olympiatoppen and Tor Haugnes from Neste Steg will discuss how elite athletes develop skills that are highly relevant in business and demonstrate the value former athletes bring to organizations after completing their sporting careers.

Frank Sundermeier from Narvik Alpine Elite Sports and Bente Haug from UiT – The Arctic University of Norway will present the University's Alpine Team, a pioneering initiative that combines higher education with elite sport, enabling athletes to pursue academic qualifications while competing at the highest level.

The seminar also showcases young sports leaders from Nordland, demonstrating how organized sport serves as an important platform for leadership development, networking, and civic engagement. The program concludes with a panel discussion featuring representatives from the Nordland Sports Federation, Neste Steg, UiT, Nordland County Council, and Norinnova, focusing on how stronger collaboration between sport, education, and industry can help build competence and create sustainable regional growth.

The seminar welcomes everyone interested in leadership, innovation, education, business development, and the broader societal value of elite sport in Northern Norway.