Volunteer Profile: Synne Hennie Berteussen | 06.08.2012
Synne Hennie Berteussen had a chance encounter with the sport of athletics when her friends cajoled her into joining them for a training session – and this soon developed into a passion. A passion not just for sports but also for introducing the sport of athletics to others.
Synne Hennie Berteussen
The 20-year-old from Kongsvinger recently organised an athletics summer camp, called Friidrettsskole Oppstad Friidrett 2012, for more than 20 children aged 7 to 11 in her home town.
Despite her busy life-style, she has also found time to register enough work hours to qualify for the European Athletics-UNESCO Bronze Certificate, which recognises her volunteer contribution to the sport as a member of the European Athletics Young Leaders Community.
The project, where she picked up most of her qualifying hours for the certificate, was such a success that she, along with fellow Young Leaders Community members Tony Elvegaard and Charlotte Svensen, are planning to stage it again next year.
Recently, athleticscommunity.org caught up with Synne for a short chat.
What first brought you to athletics?
Some friends from my class told me about athletics, and took me to training. I liked it and I stayed.
Can you tell us more about the Friidrettsskole Oppstad Friidrett 2012 project?
Friidrettsskole Oppstad Friidrett 2012 is athletics summer camp for kids between 7-11 years old. The camp was organised from 2-6 July. We started at 10:00 and finish at 16:00.
It's a camp with athletics, games and lots of fun activities. The goal is to show kids that being active in sport (especially athletics) is a cool thing.
We had room for 30 kids, and we had 22 kids. I am happy with the participation level, since it's during the summer holiday.
What is your role?
My role in this project is head leader. I'm also a coach for kids in my club.
You are offering this camp for the second time. What makes this edition better than the first one?
This camp was better this time because I have more experiences, and I was more secure in myself.
What is next for you?
I want to be a coach, so that’s the next target goal for me. I'm also going to plan next year’s summer camp. I'm also going to make a new beginner guide on the platform with my friends from Norway and fellow Young Leaders Community members Tony Elvegaard and Charlotte Svensen.
Find out more about the European Athletics Young Leaders Community here.
