GOTLAND GRAND NATIONAL SEEKS NEW COMPETITION AREA FOR THE FUTURE
GOTLAND GRAND NATIONAL SEEKS NEW COMPETITION AREA FOR THE FUTURE
The world’s largest enduro competition, Gotland Grand National (GGN), celebrates its 40th anniversary at Tofta shooting range this year with the largest competition ever.
But the world situation and the Swedish Armed Forces’ growing activities mean the organizer must find new competition areas for the future GGN.
The enduro competition, Gotland Grand National (GGN), was started in 1984 by FMCK and GMF Bysarna with the help of, among others, officers from the Gotland regiments. Over time, the competition has grown into a giant in motorsport and is also one of the biggest reasons for visiting Gotland outside the summer season.
The Swedish Fortifications Agency leases out the area yearly, but only after the Swedish Armed Forces approved the dates. The uncertain world situation meant a rapidly growing military activity on Gotland’s only place for their type of activity, so the Swedish Armed Forces are now pulling the brakes.
– For a while, it looked dark even for this year’s competition, but through a constructive dialogue with P 18, we found a solution that works for both parties. However, we must immediately begin the search for a new competition area, says Conny Bohlin, CEO of the organizer Nordic Sport Event.
Last week, Nordic Sport Event had a meeting with parts of the top management for Region Gotland as well as representatives of the county board to highlight the need for an urgent process.
– GGN has survived complex challenges in the past, but this is a threat to the future of the competition. We appeal to the whole of Gotland – authorities, associations, and businesses – to help us save GGN on Gotland. We have high hopes, but it is very urgent! Conny Bohlin says that finding a new area and having time to build a new infrastructure in 13 months is a big challenge where we will need all the help we can get from authorities and businesses.
The armed forces apologize for the situation but are clear about the announcement that GGN must leave Tofta.
– Tofta shooting range is essential for the Armed Forces to carry out its mission to ensure peace and security in Sweden in an increasingly uncertain environment. We are significantly increasing military service training on Gotland. At the same time, we have employed soldiers, visiting mainland units, and probably an increasing number of visiting NATO units, says Tomas Ängshammar, head of communications at the Gotland regiment.
– GGN is close to our hearts at P 18, and we hope the organizer can quickly find a new area. We know what GGN means to Gotland, but the Swedish Armed Forces’ mission is to build defense capabilities.
For further information and questions, contact:
Connie Bohlin
VD/CEO Nordic Sport & Events
0708 – 249494
Tomas Ängshammar
Defense Forces Gotland
076 – 1171954
FACTS GOTLAND GRAND NATIONAL
NUMBER OF PARTICIPANTS: Over 3000 from 15 nations (participants from 5 – 75 years old).
NUMBER OF PARTICIPANTS PER 20230908: 3197 compared to 3049 at the same time last year. 209 girls compared with 182.
GUEST NIGHTS: 28,000 (number of nights GGN generates during the week).
BUSINESS REVENUE: SEK 100,000,000/year (travel, accommodation, eating and shopping).
COMPENSATION FOR THE ASSOCIATION: SEK 800,000/year (the amount the association gets, thanks to GGN).
VIEWERS SVT SPORT: 800,000 (over 5 hours of live TV).
