Sport unites Greenland in a time that calls for community

Katuaq forms the setting for the festivities.

The red carpet has been rolled out, the bottles of bubbles have been opened, and the entrance hall is filled with expectant glances, laughter and happy reunions. This is exactly the atmosphere that is needed. Because although big politics and worries occupy a large part of everyday life for many Greenlanders, this evening is about the opposite: about sports, achievements and the unifying power that sports have.

Katuaq forms the setting for the festivities.

An evening carried by unity

The attendance is impressive, and among the many present you can see, among others, Mayor Avaaraq Olsen, Naalakkersuisoq for Education, Culture, Sports and Church Nivi Olsen – and of course, the chairman of the Greenland Sports Association, Claus Nielsen. This year's hosts are Noah Mølgaard and Laila Platoú, and precisely in light of the evening's message, the hosting has a special meaning for Laila – and arouses an extra sense of pride.

- It means a lot to me to be allowed to host. Maligassiuisut Show is for me a strong symbol of community, unity and joy, and that is exactly what we need at a time when many in Greenland are experiencing insecurity and division, says football player and host Laila Platoú, before she confidently continues:

- Being able to help bring people together, celebrate sports and spread positive moments means a lot to me personally. I hope that the show can give both the audience and viewers a breather – and remind us of the strength that lies in community, Laila elaborates.

And we were reminded of that to a great extent. Inside the Hans Lynge Hall, it is beautifully decorated. The Greenlandic flag hangs from the ceiling and the festivities begin with the audience standing up and singing Nunarput utoqqarsuanngoravit – together.

Here are the winners of the Maligassiuisut Show

The first award to be given is "Coach of the Year". It goes to Hansinannguaq Siegstad from Ilulissat, who receives the award for his great efforts in getting children and young people actively involved in I-69. This is followed by "Elite Sports Performance of the Year", which again this year goes to taekwondo athlete Lars Lennert Abelsen. Since he was 14, Lars has been fighting on mats around the world, and 2025 has been a particularly good year, when he won bronze at the European Championships, among other things. "Leader of the Year" goes to Anni Damgaard, who has been chairman of B-67 Badminton for almost 50 years. In her acceptance speech, she passionately encourages young people to pass on the baton and give back what they themselves have received through sport. The "Faxe Kondi Prize" is awarded to the enthusiast Peter Davidsen for his role as Playmaker and role model in GAME in Maniitsoq, while the "Talent Development Prize of the Year" goes to Patrick O. Frederiksen for his work developing futsal in Greenland.

Finally, the chairman of the Greenland Sports Association, Claus Nielsen, enters the stage with a Greenlandic flag, shouting: “Kalaallit Nunaat!” The audience agrees and cheers resound as he presents the “Sportsperson of the Year 2025”. The award goes to Lissi Ottosen from Nuuk Shotokan Karate-Do, double European champion and a symbol of how far Greenlandic talent and will can reach in the world. Lissi is clearly moved by the great recognition, and the day after the award ceremony, the joy is still evident in her.

- It was a huge honor to receive the award as "Sportsperson of the Year" from the Greenland Sports Association. Being recognized in Katuaq, surrounded by so many inspiring people from the Greenlandic sports community, touches me deeply, says Lissi Ottosen, before elaborating:

- For me, the award is not only a pat on the back for the results I have achieved in the last year, but also a reminder of the hard work, the many training hours and the support I receive from the community, my coaches, the entire karate club and my husband, she says.

However, Lissi does not want to take all the credit for the award and quickly sends a tribute to the club and the young people she hopes the award can inspire.

- I hope that with this award I can help inspire others – especially the young – to pursue their dreams and experience the joy that sports bring. The award is also very much a tribute to Nuuk Shotokan Karate-Do. It is a fantastic club with a strong unity, says the Sportsperson of the Year 2025.

Entertainment for everyone

Between the many awards, the audience is treated to top-notch entertainment. The stage in Katuaq is filled with power and energy – from impressive live weightlifting of 300 kilos to a fascinating demonstration of the taekwondo discipline tul, where precision and strength go hand in hand. Musical performances by Nina Kreutzmann Jørgensen, among others, fill the hall with notes, and soon everyone is singing along to “Silarsuaq takuiuk”, while community and joy fill every corner.

As the evening draws to a close, Katuaq explodes into a veritable fireworks display of movement and excitement. Nuummi Eqaarsaartartut – Nuuk Gymnastics takes the stage with jumps, somersaults and elegant movements that make the audience cheer and clap along. Every movement, every jump clearly shows how sport can bring us together, lift us up and fill the room with joy – and the evening ends in a shared leap of excitement, where the stage and the hall merge.