The Power Of Role Model Athletes

The scoreboard tells one story within the world of sports. In Bergen, Norway, the relationships forged between children and their role models tell another—a deeper, more lasting story of growth, confidence, inclusion, and belonging. At the heart is Meteva Sport og Helse’s NextGen Neighbor Network and its I CARE campaign, an initiative dedicated to using professional athletes as an active bridge between aspiration and achievement. 

Throughout our region, BLNO women and men step far beyond the court to serve as visible, consistent role models for children. They lead by example in classrooms, speak at assemblies for anti-bullying campaigns, mentor in LIM homework projects, join Open Gym (Åpen Hall), social nights with adult supervision, and bring energy to basketball camps. They even visit schools to hand out free tickets. For one example, Frøya Basket’s homework project—captures this spirit perfectly, showing how professional athletes can inspire both in sports and in the classroom..

The premise is simple, yet powerful: when young people form safe, close, and positive relationships with top athletes, it creates a healthy platform for growth—physically, mentally and emotionally. These connections are built face-to-face, in shared spaces where barriers between local sports idols and young children dissolve. It’s in these moments, when a girl sees herself reflected in the athlete teaching her—that dreams start to feel attainable.

We see this movement making a slam dunk in Bergen’s thriving basketball community. 

Athletes as Vehicles for Inspiration

Professional athletes carry a unique form of influence. Their dedication, discipline, and resilience are visible on the court, but their example extends far beyond it. Norway’s Women’s National Team players are elite in basketball and accomplished professionals such as doctors, engineers, psychologists, lawyers, and economists. This dual excellence sends a clear message: success in sport can be the launchpad to success in every other area of life.

Meteva Sport og Helse has a clear focus on developing girls’ basketball. As a non-profit organization, our mission is to highlight role models from the BLNO (Norwegian Basketball League) and national teams and make them easily accessible to ALL GIRLS across Bergen—regardless of background, club affiliation, financial situation, or parental involvement. 

How Relationships Are Built

The bond between top athletes and children is forged over a series of moments. It’s cultivated through consistent presence, genuine interest, and shared experiences. It begins with accessibility: when elite players step off the podium and onto the same court as the children. It deepens when they kneel to eye level, call a child by name, and share a laugh over a missed shot or a new skill learned. Over time, these small, repeated acts of connection build trust. In these safe and encouraging environments, children feel seen, valued, and understood—as players and as people. For the athletes, the relationship is equally enriching, as they witness firsthand the joy, curiosity, and determination of the next generation. This mutual respect and exchange create a lasting foundation where young people can grow—not only in sport, but in confidence, character, and resilience.

Inclusion In Action 

At this past weekend’s Girls’ Camp in Åsane Arena, hosted by Meteva Sport og Helse’s NextGen Neighbor Network in partnership with the Norwegian Basketball Federation (NBBF), that message came alive. Girls from first to seventh grade across Bergen had the rare opportunity to meet, play alongside, and be coached by their heroes—not as distant figures, but as neighbors, mentors, and friends. The event was completely free, welcoming girls regardless of background, financial situation, or parental involvement.

At the Girls’ Camp, every girl received coaching and a free t-shirt, shared meals, laughter, and encouragement. Whether they arrived with years of basketball experience or had never held a ball before, they were treated as equals, united by curiosity and enthusiasm. The result was more than skill-building; it was the creation of belonging, togetherness, and new bonds.

Role Models Who Walk the Talk

These national team players didn’t reach the top by accident. They were shaped by late nights in gyms, endless practice sessions, and a community culture where teammates became family. The lessons learned in those gym halls—time management, responsibility, respect, and self-discipline—were the same values they passed on to the next generation today.

The NextGen Neighbor Network is showing exactly how that can be done—by making role models accessible, relatable, and part of the everyday lives of young athletes.

When girls can see, speak to, and learn from women who embody both athletic and academic excellence, they begin to believe in their own potential.