This year, the Young Event 2024 took place in Norway where our host, the Norsk Forening for Osteogenesis Imperfecta (NFOI) took care of organizing a week-end full of adventures.

SEPTEMBER 12^th:

Everything started on a beautiful and sunny day in Oslo, where we took the bus to our week-end destination: Eidene.

After a two hours trip with a beautiful landscape view and some really interesting and cultural information of Norway from the driver, we finally arrived at the Red Cross center in Eidene, Tjøme.

A truly peaceful place in the middle of the woods, where Lars and the other participants were waiting for us.

Dinner time arrived and the first introductions were made, a bit shy at first for the ones coming for the first time, a moment of reunion for the ones that hadn’t seen each other in a while. But at the end we were all there for the same reasons: socialize and have a good time.

A total of 28 participants from 7 different countries, in the age group of 18-32 years old, making ourway to Norway by any mean! Not a single plane, train, car or boat was going to stop our determination and will to participate in this year’s Youth Event.

Our first night was animated with ice breakers organized by Kristian and Knut. A moment of exchange, meeting new people and learning about everyone’s passions, lives and interests.

It was so friendly and welcoming, just a perfect start to the next few days together.

SEPTEMBER 13^th:

We started the day with a bright and shining sun, everyone was so eager to know what the activities were for that day. Little did we know the beauty that was coming to our eyes…

In the first part of the day, the group was divided in two so everyone could do both activities. After a “wheel walk” in the woods, we arrived at a shooting stand where we were given clear and easy instructions on how to manipulate the pistol with safety.

After the first activity, we switched with the other group and went to the archery stand where the instructor helped us carry the bow and arrow so everyone could give it a shot and try the experience. It was so much fun to see everyone’s skills and share those moments together.

Lunch time arrived and after a deserved rest we went to the beach, another part of the Red Cross center where the most amazing and breathtaking view appeared in front of us.

The instructors were waiting for us with a boat and life jackets. Some chose to do the boat ride, some preferred to stay and admire the view and others were brave enough to do a plunge into the cold Norwegian waters: impressive!

After a while we went to the canoe and kayak zone where we got the opportunity to row our way around.

We then finished the day by a social gathering, listening to music, playing board games and just enjoying the moment catching up with friends and making new ones.

SEPTEMBER 14^th:

Another brightful day under the sun was ahead of us and we started with a free time morning. It was a relaxing moment were some decided to rest for a while, others spent the time playing chess, some walked around the woods, but everyone took that moment to spend time with friends.

After lunch and with the help of Lars, Marie, Melvin and Kristian who drove our 18 wheelchairs into their cars, we went to the Verdens Ende, commonly known as “World’s End”. A popular area of islets and rocks with sea panoramic views.

Another incredible view of the Norwegian nature that inspired us to commemorate that moment by taking a group picture with a beautiful background.

To finish that great day, some of us went to see the sunset and enjoyed of a farewell moment with each other.

SEPTEMBER 15^th:

The days came by so fast and it was already time to say our goodbyes.

Thanks to the organizers and their logistics plans, everyone was taken to the station to take the train to the airport and caught the flights on time.

Memories were made, friendships were built and I for my part, can’t wait to see this group of amazing people next year.

INTERVIEW WITH ONE OF THIS YEAR’S PARTICIPANTS:

« I had such a great time getting to know everyone and participating in all the fun activities. I truly appreciated how open and welcoming everyone was—it made the experience even more memorable. Meeting others with OI for the first time outside of Norway was especially exciting for me. I can’t wait for next year! » – Silje Tveit

THE FINAL WORDS: DON’T HESITATE.

Every year and in collaboration with OIFE, national organizations all around Europe organize events hosting young people with OI.

The Youth Events are a platform of interaction, that give the opportunity to young people to share experiences, ideas and create an exclusive exchange of perspectives. It is also a way to have fun and enjoy activities in a safe and inclusive space for everyone, whether you are traveling alone or with a personal assistant.

And as someone who went to the Youth Event for the first time, I must say that it was one of the best experiences I ever had.

VI SEES NESTE ÅR! – See you next year!

Written by: Natalia Verduzco Ramírez