Soria Moria best at feeding athletes
2010-04-16
Veronica Karlsen and Thomas Bongard at Soria Moria Hotell (photo: Christian Ruscetta, Ski-VM 2011)
The Soria Moria Hotel won the "Enough of the right food" competition held during the trial World Cup. - We appreciate the great effort made by all the hotels toward our food project. Getting enough of the right food is essential for athletes, says Bente Rafen-Sparby, hotel and hosting manager in Ski-VM 2011.
Ski-VM 2011 is committed to taking athletes seriously, and food and meals are a central part of this commitment. The World Cup organisers established, therefore, the "Enough of the right food" project and asked the athletes' hotels to join in. The hotels participated in a conference in February where the nutritionist Christine Helle from Olympiatoppen and former elite athlete Bente Skari gave lectures on food, nutrition and performance. The "Enough of the right food" concept was also presented at this conference.
During the trial World Cup, all the athletes and their support staff were asked to fill out a questionnaire to provide feedback on whether their hotels provided nutritious, varied and attractive food, and in adequate quantities.
- All the hotels achieved very high scores, and this is impressive given that athletes are demanding customers. Soria Moria won in a close finish, said Rafen-Sparby.
Salads and muesli
Salads and muesli
The Soria Moria Hotel and Conference Centre had 92 athletes from Norway and the United States as their guests.
- We served, as we always do, varied buffets, but had extra focus on salads, cereals and bread. In addition, we had a muesli buffet which was open from 6:00 - 23:00 because it is important for athletes to eat often, says Chef Thomas Bongard at Soria Moria Hotel and Conference Centre. He reveals that athletes eat more food than other people, and especially more fruits, vegetables, breads and cereals.
Enthusiastic athletes
Ski-VM 2011 received excellent feedback from the project participants. They have never before been asked to complete an evaluation form for hotel food, and did it with great enthusiasm.
- Now we have solid experience, important feedback and a very good working relationship with the athlete hotels. This will allow us to provide sufficient and proper food during the FIS Nordic World Ski Championships next year, said Rafen-Sparby.
Athlete Hotels during trial World Cup 2010
hosted a total of 580 athletes and support staff:
- Quality Hotel 33
- Radisson Blu Park Hotel
- Scandic Sjølyst
- Radisson Blu Nydalen
- Soria Moria Hotel and Conference Centre
