A life journey in the service of sport

Claus Erik Nielsen was born and raised in Qaqortoq, and his roots extend from Greenland to Denmark. His mother is Greenlandic, his father Danish, and although he has understanding for both cultures, he has often felt that being half one and half the other has not always been possible to reconcile.

"You are either Greenlandic or Danish, and I am Greenlandic," he says with a pride that shines through.

This proud identity as a Greenlander permeates everything Claus Nielsen does. Because he is not only the chairman of GIF, he is also a volunteer, a judge, an athlete and of course a father. A man of many roles, but with one common driving force: to give back to the country and people who have given him so much.

Association life from childhood

Childhood in Qaqortoq was a time of activity, community and presence. As the second youngest in a group of six siblings, Claus Nielsen was used to being part of a close-knit community, where family life was full of life, energy and dynamism. The sports hall was his second home – a place where he spent hours playing, training and experiencing the joy that comes from being part of a community.

- My mother once said that I might as well move out into the hall, because I only came home to eat or sleep, says Claus, laughing at the memory.

When Claus first participated in the Greenland Football Championships in 1978, he was only 14 years old. The championship took place in Sisimiut, and it made an indelible impression on him. The fascination of the big tournament and the many players who came from all over Greenland ignited a dream in him.

- I decided that I wanted to visit all eighteen cities, at that time there were still eighteen municipalities in Greenland, says Claus.

With his enormous passion for Greenland, sports and community, it is no surprise that a few years ago he managed to cross Tasiilaq as the last city – a dream that really came true. This passion for community and his deep understanding of the value of relationships have shaped Claus’ life far beyond the sports field. It is precisely the humanity he has experienced from his childhood in Qaqortoq that has been the cornerstone of both his personal and professional life. He has always had a strong belief that we are stronger together – a philosophy of life that he takes with him when he later moves to Nuuk, where his commitment to community life and community takes on even greater significance.

Leadership and the dream of association

At just 18 years old, Claus joined the board of K-33, the first step on a journey that would not only shape his own life, but also the Greenlandic association and sports environment for generations to come. That role would be his springboard. It would open doors to several management positions and ignite a lifelong passion for building something bigger. In 1991, he joined the board of the Greenland Handball Association with a clear ambition: to bring Greenland to the World Championship within a decade. And sure enough, 10 years later, in 2001, Greenland made its debut at the World Handball Championship. It was not just a personal goal, but a historic milestone. Claus' efforts were central to this journey.

- I don't know if it was a coincidence that it happened exactly 10 years ago, but it was fantastic to be part of making history, he says.

Claus himself also knows the winning mentality firsthand. In his youth, he played various sports, and one of the most significant moments in his sporting career was when the K 1933 senior men's team, where he played, returned home as Greenlandic football champions in 1991.

But his vision doesn't stop at the Greenland Championships and World Championship participation. Claus is also one of the driving forces behind the establishment of artificial turf fields in Greenland — the first one will of course be built in his hometown of Qaqortoq. It's about opening up possibilities: creating fields that can be used all year round, and inviting more people, regardless of age or background. Through his many years in management and volunteer work, Claus has shown that leadership for him is not a title. It is an obligation, a dream to give back, and a belief that sport and community can build bridges between people and places.

- The earlier you start with board and association work, the further you can go. You learn to lead, distribute tasks, create direction and strategy – all things that can make a difference to society, explains Claus, who is currently chairman of the Greenland Sports Association (GIF) and has been part of GIF since 2007, both as general secretary and board member.

With his many years at the helm of sports communities, both as a leader and as an active participant, it is not surprising that it is precisely Claus who holds this important position. His passion for sports, community and development has for many years been the driving force behind his commitment to association life, and his experience from countless board positions makes him a natural leader for GIF.

- I have always had a strong belief that we can make a difference through sport and community. Being part of shaping the leaders of the future and showing the way for the young is something that really drives me at the moment, says Claus.

Today, Claus is not only focused on continuing his own ideas, but on educating and inspiring the next generation of sports leaders. He knows that it is the young who will carry on the baton and continue the work to develop the role of sports in Greenland.

The world citizen of sport

Claus has had a remarkable journey through the world of sport, and has been given the opportunity to experience many of the far corners of the globe. From North Korea to Canada and China, he has traveled and met athletes and leaders from all over the world. His international network is impressive, and his passion for sport has taken him to places and people he never dreamed of meeting. One of the most marking experiences has been his connection with His Majesty King Frederik, who was a member of the International Olympic Committee (IOC) from 2009 to 2021. Through their shared commitment to sport, Claus has benefited from both the King's acquaintance and his enthusiasm for promoting the values of sport.

- The King and I are on the same page. We share a great enthusiasm for sport's ability to build bridges and create communities, says Claus, and it is clear that the shared commitment to Olympic values and global sports development has been an important part of his international experience.

And it is precisely in this Olympic world that Claus has one of the experiences he remembers most clearly. In 2010, he is invited to the International Olympic Seminar at the Opera in Copenhagen. Here he suddenly comes face to face with one of the greatest legends in sports history – his own great idol, Pelé. Claus has met many personalities over the years, but the meeting with the former world's best footballer stands out as a moment that can still make him smile broadly.

Claus has had countless extraordinary experiences that have given him deep insights into both the nature of sport and humanity. Another remarkable moment came when he was invited to the Native American Games. This experience became the starting point for Claus to introduce the Native American Games in Greenland, which are now run under Arctic Sports. One of the more spiritual and moving experiences took place in 2012 in Whitehorse, Canada, where Claus met a chief.

- I go into the chief's teepee. He looks at me, and even though we don't speak, he has a feeling that I am a leader. So he takes a necklace off of himself and gives it to me. A feather in a mammoth tusk, Claus says, and pulls out the chain.

Claus today wears the gift around his neck on a small leather cord. It is a reminder of the deep respect he has met on his travels, and of the sense of connection that goes beyond words and titles.

When life changes course

Claus is carrying a grief that has forever changed the course of his life. In 2017, he lost his wife, Hansine, his life partner of many years, after a transplant in connection with the leukemia she was diagnosed with in 2015. He clearly remembers how the doctors explained that the match was not entirely ideal.

- There was a risk, and unfortunately that risk won, Claus says quietly, with the special calm that only people who have borne great pain know.

When Hansine passes away, Claus is left with the couple's two children, Laila and Qillaq. They are young adults, but the grief hits them all with full force.

- I spent a lot of energy helping the children move on. I think maybe I forgot myself a little. But we decided to accept fate – and we stuck together. We still do, he says warmly.

The loss binds the small family of three even closer together. Although both children now live in Denmark, they talk often, and Claus visits them as often as he can. The relationships have become stronger, deeper – and more meaningful than ever.

- I have always encouraged them to have experiences and follow their dreams. And I am infinitely proud of both of them. They are decent people, really decent, and that makes me so proud, says Claus, and the voice reveals both love, loss and the unbreakable strength that binds them together.

Life as education

In addition to all his voluntary board work, Claus has been the head of Greenland's Fishing and Hunting Control, a unit under the Self-Government, since 2023. He used to hunt himself, but today, time is short, understandably, with all the management positions on his table. Claus' path to this position has not been a straightforward one - it has been filled with different experiences, changing directions and meetings with people who have helped shape him. This is how Claus himself sees life: as a journey, where every experience is an opportunity for learning and growth.

- Education was just something I needed to get started, but my whole life has been a great education, says Claus with a smile that contains both reflection and experience.

When Claus sits at the head of the table today as head of Greenland's Fisheries and Hunting Control and has to hire new employees, it is not the papers that are at the top of his list. It is the person behind the application, and the life experiences they bring with them.

- It's okay that you have papers and some theory, but I'm more interested in what you've worked with, what you've experienced. That's where the ballast lies, he explains.

This philosophy has shaped his life and work in all the many roles he has taken on over the years. For Claus, it is about being authentic, learning from experience and taking responsibility – not only for what is in his position, but for the people and the society he is a part of.

- I am very proud of my country. Both culturally and athletically. I have experienced so much, been allowed to make a difference and met so many people, says Claus with a seriousness that carries the weight of many years of experience.

When he speaks, it is clear that his commitment is not just something he does – it is something he is. And it is not just in his words, but also in his actions, that it is clear that he has left his mark on the community he is a part of. Wherever Claus walks, stands or sits, there is always someone to greet him – a reminder of the impact he has had on many lives over the years. For Claus, it is never just a question of leadership or success. It is about making a difference, creating connections and being part of something bigger than himself.