Lifestyle
Enthusiast Award: Lotte Krogh Nielsen is honored for activating an entire city
Lotte Krogh Nielsen lives and breathes Stenlille. In August, she gathered 6,000 people – three times the town's total population – for this year's event week, "Fun in the Street." For several years, she has worked tirelessly to create a different image of life in a small country town, countering the often negative portrayals. Her efforts are now being honored with SEAS-NVE's Ildsjælepris (Passionate Soul Award) and 25,000 kroner.
A total of 686 people nominated someone for the award, which is being presented for only the second time in the company's history. Gert Jorgensen, mayor of Soro Municipality, is one of 41 people who nominated Lotte Krogh Nielsen:
"Over the past three years, the group of volunteers led by Lotte has put Stenlille and Soro Municipality on the map with their dedicated efforts. Around 6,000 visitors have taken part in a fantastic mix of car and motorcycle displays and entertainment for both children and young people over the course of a full week."
Another nomination highlights Lotte's importance to the town:
"The story is that about ten years ago, Stenlille had a somewhat tarnished reputation. That has changed today, and we have Lotte to thank for it. She is a huge enthusiast and has started many activities in the town. She coordinates a week of street fun, arranges bike rides, lectures, a bike race through town, live music, and a breakfast for all Stenlille residents sponsored by local businesses. When I moved here a year and a half ago as a newly arrived Jutlander with no network, I volunteered – and I have never regretted it," says Louise Bjarkhamar, one of the many who nominated Lotte Krogh Nielsen.
A Passionate Soul with a Capital P
How do you put a small town on the map of Denmark? That is a question many residents of smaller towns are likely eager to answer. Lotte Krogh Nielsen from the small Zealand town of Stenlille has the answer. She serves on the town's civic association, founded the local cycling club 20 years ago, has been responsible for several charity events, and is the initiator and coordinator of numerous events and arrangements, including "Drengerovsaftener" (Boys' Nights) and the new "Fun in the Street" event week, which drew thousands to the town this August.
"Receiving this award warms my heart deeply. The very first thing I thought of was all the other volunteers. And the next thing I thought was that it comes with a responsibility. It should be no secret that even I can get tired. Yes, it wears out the soles of my shoes and costs me some sleep at night. But I find it hard to stop. And this nomination touches me especially, knowing that so many people thought of nominating me," says Lotte Krogh Nielsen, emphasizing how important it is to bring together the town's citizens across all ages.
"When I joined the Stenlille Trade, Crafts and Citizens' Association five or six years ago, my dream was to bring the town together and at the same time show the importance of knowing both the seven-year-old citizen and the 80-year-old."
Support for Communities and Regional Development
At SEAS-NVE, regional development and support for local communities are high priorities.
"With the Ildsjælepris, we want to shine a light on the many wonderful communities in our region. Passionate souls are the ones who bind communities together, and they deserve recognition for that. In Stenlille, there is a special spirit of enthusiasm, of which Lotte Krogh Nielsen is the best example. She has truly managed to make a difference for an entire town and for people of all ages. It is admirable and deserves to be acknowledged – which is why she is receiving SEAS-NVE's Ildsjælepris this year," says Jesper Hjulmand, CEO of SEAS-NVE.
