The Racketlon World Tour is, with the Norwegian Open Challenger from September 1 to 3, coming to Norway for the first time – and for the first time (we think…?!) players can sleep for free at the sports centre!
In what may come as a surprise to racketlon players given the beginnings of racketlon in Sweden and Finland and the sport’s strong Scandinavian tradition, Norway has, until recently, not had a racketlon tour.
But two enterprising individuals in Roar Fundingsrud and Tore Lund, who run the club hosting the World Tour Event, heard about the sport and contacted Duncan Stahl to express the desire to start racketlon at their club and in Norway as a whole. Duncan got talking to them and brought in Joel Durston, a British racketlon player who lives in Norway, and the three of set about building the sport in Norway.
It was perhaps the worst time to do so, in the middle of the pandemic, but we are thrilled to say Norway has hosted two successful events, for local players, and will soon host its first international tournament.
And tournament entrants can sleep at no extra cost in the spacious sports centre! This is thanks to the generosity of the owners of the club, who are organising the tournament, and club members, in giving up the space and agreeing to supply mattresses/pop-up beds.
The first ten international players to sign up will be able to enjoy this unique offering and following that it might still be possible and or to stay on club members’ spare beds/caravans. Contact Joel on social media or joeldurston@gmail.com if you are interested in this offer.
There is also a tournament hotel at which discount rates have been secured and from where morning and evening shuttle transport will be provided, as well as other accommodation options around.
World no.2 female Anna-Klara Ahlmer, world no. 3 male Nicolas Lenggenhager, world no 5 male Sylvain Ternon and world no.27 male Mandrin Moucet have have already entered, with Nicolas taking advantage of the free sleeping.
The centre has, overlooking the courts, darts, pool, and shuffleboard – and there will be a ‘pub games racketon’ with pizza and beer for the player’s party on Saturday night. The centre also has padel which players can use for free throughout the tournament.
Norwegian player Bjørn Reidar Andersen, who has finished third at the two recent tournaments in Norway said, “I love racketlon. It was fun to meet so many nice people. I’m looking forward to new tournaments, including the Norwegian Open. And I almost forgot the organisation of the tournament. Thank you very much to the organisers for their commitment to get racketlon up and going in Norway and arranging the use of Mysen Rackethall.”
Look forward to seeing you all in Norway. Vi ses!
Joel Durston / Tournament Director
