One of Norwegian banding's most respected administrators has been nominated for one of the nation's most prestigious cultural awards.

Viggo Bjørge, who has given more than 40 years of service both as a player and administrator to the Eikanger Bjorsvik Band is one of eight nominees for the 2018 Volunteer Prize.

Extraordinary commitment

It honours the extraordinary commitment and work undertaken by volunteers in diverse sectors of Norwegian life — from the environment and health to working with refugees and music.

The prize recognises the efforts by the nominee to promote the breadth and diversity of their organisation's aims and objectives to create as wide a social engagement with the Norwegian public as possible.

Viggo, who is referred fondly in Norwegian banding as 'Mr Eikanger', was put forward by the Norwegian Band Federation alongside over 250 other initial nominees.

He is now one of eight finalists that can be voted on by the Norwegian public and people around the world, with their inspirational stories shown on a special voting website.

He is now one of eight finalists that can be voted on by the Norwegian public and people around the world, with their inspirational stories shown on a special voting website4BR

Immense contribution

The three nominees with most votes will be invited to Oslo on 5th December to coincide with the UN International Volunteer Day celebrations, where a jury of renowned experts will decide who will be awarded the 50,000 krone prize which is to be used by the nominee's organisation to further their long term aims and objectives.

Viggo's great friend Frode Rydland told 4BR: "This is wonderful recognition for Viggo's immense contribution not just to Eikanger, but to Norwegian banding as a whole.

We hope everyone will take the opportunity to vote for him."

Vote

To find out more and to vote for Viggo, go to: www.frivillighetensdag.no/frivillighetsprisen