Trees replace medals at the fourth Hammarby Hill XC
For the September 17, 2011 mountain-bike race, organizers chose to donate adult medal costs to Vi Agroforestry while keeping medals for children.
Hammarby Hill XC was scheduled for September 17, 2011, at Hammarbybacken in Stockholm. Riders would tackle a course through Nackareservatet, with the ski hill providing a demanding test. This year, the organizers planned to plant trees through Vi Agroforestry instead of handing out medals to adult finishers.
Founded in 2008, the event had grown into a full mountain-bike race with elite and recreational classes, plus the children’s Lilla Hillen. Its 20-kilometer loop attracted more than 500 cyclists each year. Finishers would receive a certificate and thanks for their contribution to the tree-planting project.
“We have gone back and forth over medals,” said race director Jonny Engel of OK Ravinen. “Now we have decided to plant trees instead. It feels right in our hearts. The children riding Lilla Hillen will still get a medal to hang around their neck when they finish.”
The money that would have paid for the adult medals would instead support Vi Agroforestry’s planting work in Africa.
Alongside the race, the program included Big Air and Bunny Jump contests and demonstrations. Suppliers to bike retailer Cykloteket would offer deals for spectators and competitors. A small riding area would be set up for the youngest children, and SkiStar’s café would remain open all day.
