Andersen has been recorded as a new board member of the Norwegian Ski Association.
– I can confirm that I have had a meeting with the election committee of the Norwegian Ski Association. If they believe that they can use my expertise, then I am open to contributing, Andersen tells VG.
He had been general secretary of NIF for 13 years when he had to resign in 2017. It happened after a public scandal about spending money and travel expenses at the top of Norwegian sports.
But Andersen also has a background in Norwegian skiing: He has coached the Norwegian women’s cross-country team, the junior national teams and the Swiss national teams.
Today, he is a partner in the consulting company Scandsports and chairman of Norway’s top sports gymnasium.
Andersen will not come out with a manifesto or launch big plans before the ski parliament in Bodø in June. But he opens the door wide when it comes to two topics in particular:
– The Ski Association must be reorganized at some point. A management structure that is sustainable into the future must be put in place. It is important to establish a clear division of roles between the ski board, the committees and the administrative management of the association, he says.
– In addition, NSF must contribute to a greater extent to strengthening the work in the country’s ski clubs through, among other things, working better politically to strengthen the finances of the clubs, he adds.
Launched by Lyn
The 59-year-old from Bergen emphasizes that it is nice to be wanted in parts of Norwegian sports.
It is the Lyn ski club that has launched Andersen’s candidacy:
– We suggest Inge because he has good insight into sports Norway, and accomplished a lot as a manager. In her time as general secretary of NIF, Inge contributed to several financial boosts which have had a positive impact on the financial everyday life of the sports clubs; including the introduction of the tipping key, says chairman Geir Moe.
He also highlights his background in skiing.
– We believe Inge has shown that he has the necessary competence and power to act, which can bring about the changes we think should come to the Skiing Association, says Moe.
The Norwegian Ski Association has been characterized by violent internal disputes in recent years. At the same time, the economy is sometimes strained and several branches have unsold sponsor badges.
Liquidity has also been a topic in internal documents to which VG has been given access.
– Lyn Ski believes there is a need for renewal and broader expertise in the ski board, and we have nominated Inge Andersen to the selection committee as a highly qualified board candidate, says Geir Moe.
He points out that finances are the biggest challenge for Norwegian ski clubs in 2024.
– Lyn Ski feels that the flow of money in skiing is going the wrong way, as more and more costs have been passed on to the clubs in recent years. We believe it is right and possible to turn this around so that the clubs can receive additional funds. Then the board needs people who are able to create change and who have solid organizational experience, he says.
