They are the role models who never stop giving. The unsung hereos who keep community life running; the fierce competitors who inspire the next generation. On 8 November, they gather at the Saga cinema as Eldsjälsgalan returns for the third time to celebrate the people who make Boden glow.
In Boden, something burns all year round. Not a Walpurgis bonfire or December candlelight, but a warm, stubborn flame of commitment kindled in people who want more than just for themselves. The unsung hereos. The ones at the front, at the back, and in the thick of it when associations must be run, culture must blossom, and young people must find their place. On 8 November they get an evening of their own. For the third time, Eldsjälsgalan is held – a tribute to our Närhetsliv and to everyone who makes Boden a better place to live.
500 STORIES DISTILLED
When nominations opened in spring, no one foresaw the scale of the response. Three months later, nearly 500 submissions had arrived—sto- ries of people who took responsibility, built community, and made a difference where it was needed most. After many hours of reading, 32 finalists remained, spread across ten categories.
Every one of the 32 nominees carries a story worth attention. But the Årets Eldsjäl (Unsung Hero of the Year) category carries particular weight—five candidates competing for the honorary award and SEK 10,000, chosen by the people of Boden.
BACK ON FAMILIAR GROUND
The celebration should feel both ceremonial and down-to-earth. So it’s no surprise that Mark Levengood returns as host. With warmth and re- cognisable humour, he has led the gala twice before, shaping the atmo- sphere in the classic Saga cinema. And since Eldsjälsgalan is held only every three years, this homecoming feels special—a tradition that has become eagerly awaited.
“Eldsjälsgalan is turning into a wonderful tradition. It’s both formal and relaxed, and it shines a light on achievements that rarely reach centre stage. Kulturtant, for example—I love that category. Of course culture champions should be celebrated,” he says.
The name may be playful, but the award is serious. It goes to a person who personifies culture’s tireless guardians—those who ensure that art, music, or literature never lose their place in Boden. It needn’t be a “tant”, but it must be someone who, with persistence and heart, carries culture forward.
Since he last visited, Mark has hosted Sommar i P1, been SVT’s Christmas host, and conducted the moving interview with Lasse Berg- hagen that aired after the artist’s passing. He is currently filming a new season of Arvinge okänd, yet gladly makes time for another evening in Boden.
“I’m so happy to have the chance again. There’s a fire of commitment, compassion, and enthusiasm burning in Boden. It lights the way and gives hope in a time when so much else feels bleak.”
BEAUTIFUL, YET BUILT TO LAST
Another tradition is that the Eldflamman (Flame Award), presented to each category winner, is always designed by a local artist. Each edition is unique, but the common thread is craftsmanship and closeness to place.
The first year, the flames were forged from a shell casing fired at Röd- bergsfortet on New Year’s Eve 1997. The second time, they were created in raku ceramics, fired using a Japanese technique. This year’s artwork is by Maria Hussami.
She has built the prize from fallen wood gathered in Storklinten, with the flame sculpted in handmade paper clay, coloured in shades of red, orange, and yellow.
“It feels both nerve-racking and incredibly fun to take on this assign- ment. I want the prize to be beautiful, but also durable—just like the people it’s awarded to. Even if we start from the same basic form, every flame will be unique, just like every eldsjäl,” says Maria Hussami.
The awards also reflect the breadth of Boden’s rich community life, from sports and culture to sustainability, community, and equality.
Vinnarskalle (True Competitor) honours an athlete or achievement that stands out—those who train hard, go all the way, and keep their drive and passion despite obstacles.
Gröna hjärtat (Green Heart) recognises a person or association com- mitted to ecological, economic, or social sustainability—those who make Boden fairer and more sustainable through conviction and action.
Årets ledare (Leader of the Year) goes to a coach, volunteer, or role mo- del whose commitment helps others grow and develop—leadership that builds confidence in the future.
Ungdomskraft (Youth Power) highlights young people already taking responsibility, leading, and inspiring—proof that the next generation of unsung heroes is already here.
Årets kulturstipendium (Cultural Grant of the Year) is awarded to a person, group, or initiative enriching Boden’s cultural life through art, music, theatre, or other creative expression.
Positiv energi (Positive Energy) rewards an association defined by joy, community, and good spirit—a group that makes a difference simply by spreading warmth and enthusiasm.
Kulturtant (Culture enthusiast) celebrates culture’s steadfast custodi- ans—those who ensure art, music, and literature never lose their place in Boden.
Guldhjärta (Golden Heart) goes to someone who makes everyday life easier for others with care and kindness—a person with an extra-large Boden heart.
Jämställdhetspriset (Equality Prize) is awarded to someone who ac- tively advances equal value for all, creating space for more through courage and action.
And finally, the gala’s most prestigious honour: Årets Eldsjäl (Unsung Hero of the Year), for the person whose burning enthusiasm and tireless drive have made them a true engine of community life in Boden.
THE HEART OF NÄRHETSLIV
What unites all the categories is that they celebrate people who mostly work voluntarily—the unsung heroes who make Boden a more attracti- ve place to live, building community and pride.
That is what makes Eldsjälsgalan more than an evening out. It is a story of Närhetsliv—how people who burn for something larger than themselves form the foundation of a society that holds together.
OUR NOMINEES UNSUNG HERO OF THE YEAR
Lennart “Lillen” Lindström – A passionate individual who has passionately educated and continues to educate generations of hockey players up here in the north. This 74-year-old is very committed, knowledgeable, and caring about the youth as he inspires and trains young people in Boden’s hockey association.
Anna-Karin Liljestrand – This multicultural songbird is a true passionate individual who greatly contributes to lighting up Boden’s cultural life. In addition to her work with Kulturcrew, she helps young people and engages in all types of culture here in Boden.
Robin Isaksson – He is passionate about handball and has revived Hornskrokens IF. With great commitment and joy, he dedicates his time to children and young people, promotes team spirit, and gives competitive spirits the ability to make it as fun as possible along the way.
Göran Honkamaa – With tireless drive, he conducts senior training, adult ski school, and beginner training in Sävast ski team. Göran’s commitment is as strong now at 85 years old as when he helped found the association.
Kaisa Olsson – With folk dance, ring games, and bread baking, she has passed on Boden’s traditions for decades. Under her leadership, people of all ages and backgrounds in Boden meet on equal terms, in community and joy around the midsummer pole at Norrigården.
TEXT: ANDRÈ SAMUELSSON / ROBIN SÖDERLUND
