When 4,200 gunmen arrived, the whole family lined up

It was stressful and I had butterflies in my stomach the whole time. Now the family is looking forward to contributing when 4,200 shooters take part in the competition.

Stone Knees: For one week, shooters from all over Norway will compete at the Steinkjer shooting range and the Giskås shooting and practice range. Landsskytterstevnet (LS) is taking place in Steinkjer for the 11th time and more than 500 volunteers will contribute:

– “You could call us a philanthropic family”, Tove Golding says with a smile.

A mix of experienced and new people

Son Kristian Gording had been a volunteer at the first two congresses. Now parents Tove and Stein and cohabitant Kjersti Brøndbo Wettre also stood up.

They work long shifts and, among other things, make sure all shooters have their ID cards. It contains important information and all shooters must carry it.

– They have no choice. They are scared. “We need everyone,” Christian Godin said with a smile about the family’s effort.

His son Iver (9) also contributed.

– Grandmother Tove said he helped sort the prizes, cleaned and sorted the boxes and helped keep morale high.

She finds it fun to contribute and calls the National Archery Competition a highlight of the summer, where volunteers adjust their vacation time to help out and build friendships, while archers get to compete in the best conditions.

– It’s great that we can be used, yes, we are a resource, she said.

– Some holes

Anne Irene Myhr was in charge of recruiting volunteers, and she said the process was surprisingly smooth.

Throughout the summer, Steinscher hosts several events and the organizers can draw on a lot of expertise, for example in setting up tents, arranging parking, preparing food, preparing toilets, etc. Cleaning and kiosks require staffing.

– There are some gaps, but we can work through them. We are adaptable and help each other. “I think that’s the spirit of this event: when we are called upon, we will step up,” Mir said.

She had no idea how many volunteer hours she had put in.

– We also have to remember all the work that was done ahead of time. This has been going on for many years. This is very commendable, she said.

Steinkjer last hosted the LS in 2007. The championship is held every five years in central Norway between Oppdal, Steinkjer and Stjørdal.

– People who came here in 2007 say they don’t recognize themselves. Meier said the filming area has been expanded and the infrastructure has been developed.

As the leader of so many volunteers, she saw one challenge that could cause trouble. It wasn’t the bad weather, because they were prepared.

– The biggest challenge is if people get sick. But we help each other, she said.

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She feels people are interested in volunteering.

– Those who stand know that the profits of Landsskytterstevnet go back into the development of the village, Myhr said.

Ivah Iykho is a first-time volunteer at LS. He came to Steinscher eight months ago as a refugee from Ukraine.

– “I will sweep, clean and provide information to guests,” he said about future tasks.

Meier has seven Ukrainians among his volunteers this year.

– I’m glad they’re involved. It’s social, you make new friends, Mir said.

The national shooting competition will end a week later on Friday.

– Before, there was a lot of pressure and anxiety. But now, just before we can lower our shoulders a little and see that things are working, says Christian Godin.