Born and raised in a hospital. That has been the reality for Kristina and Oliver Iversen.
Then they found what they now call their second home. Underground Amphitheatre.
The siblings have spent their entire lives in wheelchairs.
They were born with spina bifida. A condition with which one to nine children in Norway are born each year.
BIG SISTER: Kristina Iversen (18). Photo: Torstein Wold / TV 2
– When I come here, I really dare to be me. I dare to be Kristina. It’s just been me and Oliver, then. There has been no such thing as the wheelchair being an obstacle.
Kristina Iversen tells TV 2.
– Vålerenga really is the club for everyone.
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– Like coming home
The siblings’ passion for hockey started with a fussy doctor at Ahus. He was convinced that Oliver was going to love para hockey.
It would take three years before they met for their first training session.
LITTLE BROTHER: Oliver Iversen (15). Photo: Torstein Wold / TV 2
– I had butterflies in my stomach the first time. But it was a lot of fun, adds little brother Oliver.
Kristina sat on the sidelines during her little brother’s first training session. The following week she tried herself.
– At first I thought “Do I really dare to do that, then?”. Because it is very tough, but then I thought I could give it a chance. Immediately afterwards, I told mum and dad that I would like to continue with this. And we have been doing that ever since.
GIRA: Oliver and Kristina Iversen are looking forward to the silver match on Thursday. Here Mathis Olimb is in the background. Photo: Torstein Wold / TV 2 Read more
MEETING OF HEROES: Oliver and Kristina in the players’ tunnel together with Mathis Olimb after training on Wednesday. Photo: Torstein Wold / TV 2 Read more
CLEAR MESSAGE: Oliver Iversen is clear when he tells Mathis Olimb that they help win the match. Photo: Torstein Wold / TV 2 Read more
STAR PLAYER: Mathis Olimb is smiling after the meeting with the siblings Oliver and Kristina. Photo: Torstein Wold / TV 2 Read more
«ParaKlanen»
From training with parahockey to being a supporter at VIF Hockey matches, the road was short.
It only took one hockey game before the siblings were bitten by the bacillus.
– It is a very special feeling. Both me and Oliver let go of all worries. When we get here, only the hockey matters. We want to see our team win, we want to see Vålerenga fight, says Kristina.
PERMANENT PLACES: Kristina and Oliver received season tickets as a birthday present. Photo: Torstein Wold / TV 2
They show up at every home game they can. The season ticket was secured ahead of this year’s season.
And Oliver and Kristina sit in their regular places, directly opposite “Klanen”. Those who now call themselves the “ParaKlan”.
Both Kristina and Oliver say that they have experienced a great development as people since they first entered the hockey stands.
– We have become much tougher. We dare to stand up for ourselves. After all, we are hospital children, and there you have to do what the doctors ask of you, says Kristina and continues:
– But here it is so that you can have your own opinions. You can stand up for yourself. That’s important – and that’s what I take with me from hockey.
Mother Linn Cecilie says that the children’s hockey passion has completely taken off. They watch old matches in replays and get up early in the morning during the summer holidays to take the train to the first training sessions in Vålerenga.
HOCKEYMOM: Linn Cecilie Iversen accompanies her children to all hockey games. Photo: Torstein Wold / TV 2
She reminisces about a time when Oliver was hospitalized, but then he found out on Facebook that Vålerenga was going to meet the 1st division team Grüner. Then there was only one thing to do, she says.
– I was actually going to have an operation, but then me and my mother went to a match instead. It was also mum’s first match, says Oliver.
– Did you run away?
– Yes, he says with a laugh.
Silver match
On Thursday evening, Vålerenga meets Stavanger Oilers for the silver medal in the EHL. Then Kristina and Oliver will sit in their regular places in the stands and cheer on their team.
– We win, say the siblings.
Oliver’s verdict is that Vålerenga wins 6-2. Big sister Kristina thinks it will be a more even match than that.
FAVORITE PLAYER: Kristina and Oliver talking to Thomas Olsen. It’s Oliver’s favorite player. Photo: Torstein Wold / TV 2
– I think it will be 5-3. Vålerenga takes it. And if it doesn’t go our way, it will be a setback, but we will win. I stand by that, says Kristina.
And if things don’t work out, the assessment of the reaction from little brother Oliver is clear.
– Then we laugh.