Sons of Norway
Sports Medal Program
Sverdrup Lodge No. 107 - Bismarck, ND

Sons of Norway Sports Medal Program

The Sports Medal program is similar to a program developed by the Norges Idettsforbund (Norwegian Sports Association) in 1915. The program has been very successful. Since the program is for members they are interested in your comments and participants have written in with suggestions.

It is felt that since the Idrettsforbund is still in existence in Norway it is important that the basis of the program remain connected to its Norwegian parent. For that reason, an intern has been hired at International Headquarters to examine the Sports Medal program. The examination may lead different requirements. An American interpretation of it would be exactly that - an American interpretation, a variation. It is understood that Americans lead different life styles than Norwegians so some of the requirements will be tailored to match the American lifestyle.

The program is divided into three different types of activities and a miscellaneous group that is based on various sports, by fitness and duration.

  • Gangmerke - walking program.
  • Skimerke - ski program.
  • Sykkelmerke - bike program.

Idrettsmerke, sports and fitness program. A combination of 36 various sports, golf, tennis, soccer, softball, etc. encompassed in this group. Scoring is by type of sport, time, duration, and in some cases, distance. Four different medals can be earned in each of the four groups:

  • Bronze
  • Silver
  • Gold
  • Enamel

Example - Gangmerke (walking): Requirements are according to age and are to be completed within a year. The requirements for a bronze medal are:
 

Age Miles
0 - 14 62
15 - 39 150
40 - 54 124
55 - 69 100
70+ 62

You are asked to log the date, distance, and in some instances the location and the witness. Let´s say you are between 40 and 54 years of age. You walk 124 miles and earn the bronze medal. You then walk 248 miles and earn the silver medal. To earn the gold medal you then walk 372 miles. To earn the enamel medal, you then walk 496 miles.

Medal Example (walking) - Age 40-54
Bronze 124 - Miles
Silver 248 - Miles
Gold 372 - Miles
Enamel 496 - Miles

To earn each medal the requirement must be completed within one year of beginning. After completing each requirement, the log cards are turned into the Recreation Director. Please keep a duplicate record for yourself.

Sverdrup´s Recreation Director is Jerry Saude -- 527-4068.

Sons of Norway Sports Medal Brochure (9.5-MB file)


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