July 24, 2014 (Castiglion Fiorentino, ITA) – Norway’s Cross-Country queen and six-time Olympic Champion Marit Bjørgen was awarded the international prestigious Fair Play Mecenate award for 2014. On 23^rd July 23, she received the award in Castiglion Fiorentino (ITA).

Marit Bjoergen at the Fair Play Mecenate Awards Ceremony © FIS

The jury of the Fair Play Mecenate consists of members from all continents and represents the international sports media and various international sports organisations. The Fair Play Mecenate was awarded to Bjørgen for her ethical and fair play behaviour that she has always demonstrated in her career and her great sportsmanship and solidarity.

“Marit Bjørgen has been a role model for athletes in particular, and children and youth in general, for several years. She is generous both within sports and as a person, and she represents sports in an excellent manner. This is highly valued by the entire ski-community in Norway. The fact that she is now receiving this international award proves that her positive attitude go far beyond Norway’s borders,” Erik Røste, President of the Norwegian Ski Association, commented.

“It is a great honour to be honoured with such a prestigious award. I am proud and humbled by the honour. To be recognised for such a fair play award is something I highly appreciate. Although Cross-Country Skiing is an individual sport, I would not be where I am today without other girls on the team. I am proud to be part of a strong team with a good team spirit, where we celebrate our team mates’ success and support each other,” Bjørgen said.