Week 14 - 2020
Elisabeth Meyer, group portrait, girls on skis. From Tomm Murstad ski school, 1948 probably. Preus Museum Collection
Sport as self help
The International Day of Sport for Development and Peace is commemorated on the 6th of April. Sports can contribute towards better health, strengthen social bonds and help in developing peace and reconciliation between people. During these days we are not able to practice sports as we are used to - fitness centres and sports fields are closed, the “easter mountains” remains unused for all others than those who live there. Nevertheless, we are still able to walk in nature, albeit not as close and as many as these girls in this photo. It was Elisabeth Meyer who captured these proud smiles adorned upon the faces of these skiers. The image was most likely taken from around 1948 during the startup of Tomm Murstad’s Skiing School in Oslo.
All children have a right to rest, as well as a right for freetime and play. It’s consecrated within the UN’s convention on Children’s Rights. Children possess a natural ability and drive to keep themselves active. So, perhaps we should let ourselves be inspired by this, despite us having to exercise at home or risk a walk outside?