The latest figures for the authorities’ support schemes emerge from the NTB figures that have been granted access by the Lottery and the Norwegian Supervisory Board. In total, nearly 26,700 applications were processed.

For nearly two years, sports and volunteers have had to adapt their activities to the national infection control measures in place. As a result, many events large and small have had to be cancelled, postponed or reduced in scope.

To compensate for the loss of revenue generated, the government prepared a number of support schemes. Now the last kroner has been paid from this. A total of 26,693 apps generated a total payout of NOK 3723 billion distributed among 23,366 players.

The largest single amount went to the Norwegian Handball Association. NOK 27.3 million was paid out of the triple crisis package for lost revenue related to the “cancellation” of Norway’s share of the European Handball Championship for women in December 2020.

Another single event that was also impacted by the pandemic was the World Wrestling Championships in Oslo in October 2021. The event was held, but as a result of the restrictions of the authorities, the organizers received compensation of almost NOK 18 million.

18 million for the Norwegian Cup

The Norwegian Football Association and the Norwegian Ice Hockey Association have also been awarded large sums of millions as national matches, cup matches and league matches had to be canceled/moved or played to empty stands during most of the pandemic.

The second largest single amount paid from the endorsement scheme goes to the ice hockey association. The amount is almost 24.5 million kroner. In addition, federation management, on behalf of elite league clubs, is provided support for the loss of revenue associated with various league and playoff matches.

Norwegian Sports Club Cup Bækkelaget, for its part, had to cancel the 2020 and 2021 editions of the tournament. This resulted in a total of around NOK 18 million in subsidies for lost revenue.

A total of 6980 different players in the sport receive money from the endorsement scheme. The various payments totaled more than NOK 2.26 billion.

656 different recipients were paid a million kroner or more.

A county-by-county review showed that players in Oslo and Viken received the most money from the scheme, totaling NOK 911.4 and 627 million, respectively.

Different percentage

To stimulate activity, some authorities’ schemes are designed so that actors can apply for 50 percent compensation if they cancel their events, while the percentage increases to 70 percent if they implement it partially. The government’s goal is to incentivize as many events as possible under current restrictions.

During the period when the community is completely closed, at the same time the percentage of canceled events is also set at 70.

Not all types of income are compensated in the now discontinued support scheme. Revenue from sponsorship and advertising, prize money, membership fees or training fees are not included as part of the scheme.

The Lottery Authority and the Norwegian Foundation have managed the compensation scheme on behalf of the Ministry of Culture.