His Majesty King Harald of Norway participated today in the 100th anniversary of the Lions Club International. King Harald is Lions Norway’s royal patron. In this regard, the King attended an event in Oslo, which was a collaboration between Lions Norway and the organisation “Young in Norway.”
His Majesty met several children with different personal backgrounds. Together, with these children, King Harald took a boat trip from Lohavn Harbour in Oslo to Bygdøy. The trip took about 1 hour and 20 minutes. The event is a part of a boat trip that will go from Oslo to Bergen to put the spotlight on children and youth which has grown up in a challenging environment; many are minor asylum seekers. These children will also take part as the crew on the boat.
For more than an hour before the King arrived at Bygdøy, the celebration had taken place. Many children attended and were served ice cream, sausages and soda by members of Lions Norway. There were also organised activities for the children.
His Majesty was welcomed by former Lions International Director Svein Berntsen, who is Lions Norway’s contact with the Royal Family, Thore Jan Klever from Lions Club Bygdøy and current Lions Norway’s Secretary-General Roar Thorsen.
On the way up from the pier, the King was introduced to a number of lead dog puppies from Lions Norway’s lead dog school. After this, the dogs’ skills were presented to the King, after which the King heard of Lions Norway’s other projects.
Following this was a short speech by Governor Lill Alver and Svein Ø. Berntsen, former international director of the Lions. King Harald then received a gift; this was Lions Clubs International’s official memorial medal. After this, His Majesty left the celebrations.
Lions Clubs International is one of the world’s largest volunteer organisations and has more than 46,000 clubs in more than 210 countries and geographical areas. The organisation was established in Chicago in 1917 and arrived in Norway in 1949. Today, Norway has 430 clubs spread throughout the country from Mandal in the south to Kirkenes in the north. Lions Norway has about 10,500 members as volunteers, giving their time and money to society’s best.
“Young in Norway” is a voluntary organisation working for and with child welfare and youth. The organisation aims to create fun, safe and active environments for children and young people. They attach particular importance to promoting positive activities for children.