IFK Växjö players were recognized at the Quality Hotel Games
As part of IFK Växjö’s Quality Hotel Games competition, coaches, leaders, and officials who are all actively involved in IFK Växjö’s youth and junior programs were each awarded a scholarship. Grand Samarkand presented the first edition of these scholarships to seven nominated IFK members.
Henrik Brodin was named Children's Coach of the Year
The citation reads:
Henrik has been a coach at the Öjaby Track and Field School for at least 8 years, come rain or shine, summer or winter. He has been responsible for planning and equipment, has completed training courses, has been the key person in charge of Öjaby’s gym, and last but not least, he is a last-minute specialist.
Mikael Åberg was named Youth Coach of the Year
The citation reads:
Micke has an incredibly inspiring approach and, drawing on his own experience, has acquired knowledge and training to motivate and create effective training plans for the running group and the athletes he coaches. The middle- and long-distance group is growing again, and there are many talented runners who now represent IFK Växjö with strong results in competitions. Micke himself is one of them; at age 50, he ranks among the top 10 in Sweden’s M50 statistics.
Håkan Widlund was named Junior Coach of the Year
The citation reads:
Håkan is an exceptionally dedicated coach with impressive expertise in developing young talent in short and long sprints, both with and without hurdles. His dedication to the training group has not only resulted in individual success but has also made an impact at the national and international levels. Håkan’s passion for sports and for shaping young athletes into future stars is evident in every aspect of his work. Thanks to his expertise and commitment, Håkan’s nomination for Junior Coach of the Year is a foregone conclusion and a well-deserved tribute to a coach who truly makes a difference.
This year’s Young Leader award went to Aktiva’s Council
The citation reads:
Over the past year, Aktiva’s Council has worked actively to promote a sense of community and youth participation within the association. They have done this, for example, by organizing an activity day for younger members, filled with competitions and games, as well as several brief discussions regarding the young people’s own opinions and thoughts about the association. They have also organized a small event at the Växjöloppet race, led the activities at the 2023 Christmas porridge party, and launched a self-run kiosk at Telekonsult Arena.
Anton Bertilsson was named Young Official of the Year
The citation reads:
Anton Bertilsson is a dedicated official who has not only trained to become a federation referee but has also served as competition director at the Götaland Championships, been in charge of the Växjö race course, and is always willing to step in as an official when needed.