At Eikholt, several well-known people in the field of deafblindness have given names to buildings and roads. Today it was Harald Vik's turn. The stables have been rebuilt and will from now on bear the name Harald Vik's house.
Who is Harald Vik?
Harald Vik was born in Jondal in Hardanger. He was one of seven siblings, three of whom were deaf. As a result, he learnt sign language at an early age. His eyesight gradually deteriorated, and in 1985 his sight disappeared completely.He now uses an interpreter/companion and tactile sign language in communication and activities.
Harald - you have been a role model for many over the years.
Roar Meland, Director Eikholt
In 2005, Harald Vik was the first recipient of the Eikholt award, and in 2006 he received the King's Medal of Merit. Harald was the first person to move into EIkholt and the last permanent resident of Eikholt.
Harald has travelled to more than 50 countries and has worked actively to focus on the lives of people with disabilities. He has also been a role model for many because of his sporting achievements.
Harald Vik has participated in the New York marathon 19 times and cycled Trondheim-Oslo just as many times. In 1987, he cycled 3,000 kilometres from Oslo to Rome in 30 days, where he was granted an audience with Pope John Paul II and blessed with a gold cross. On the bike ride down to the Vatican, Harald was given a police escort.
And it doesn't stop there.
Harald Vik has cycled from Beijing in China to Almaty/Alma Ata in Kazakhstan, a total of 6,200 kilometres, and across Canada, from Vancouver to Ottawa. He has run in Africa, Asia, the USA and South America. In the summer of 2009, Harald Vik cycled 2,500 kilometres from Lindesnes to Nordkapp, and in the summer of 2010, he cycled the same route, visiting 19 counties.
Was surprised
Harald was surprised, even though he might have realised that something special was going on. Director Roar Meland had invited Harald and all course participants and employees at Eikholt to a birthday celebration to mark Harald's recent 80th birthday. In his speech to Harald, Meland mentioned that Eikholt has buildings and roads named after famous people in the field of deafblindness, and it was clear to see that Harald knew what was coming.
It was really nice to have a house named after you, I realised it after a while, but you have fooled me well
Harald Vik
Harald - a great ambassador
Throughout his active life, Harald Vik has created stories, been a confident inspirer and shown both deafblind people and everyone else that there are opportunities for a rich and active life. This is a good reflection of Eikholt's values, confident - competent - creative, and by putting Harald Vik's name on one of the houses at Eikholt, inspiration is passed on in the stories of people who set good examples for others to follow.
In the link below, you can read the speech Roar Meland gave to Harald, and also watch a video of Harald Vik cutting a red ribbon and, together with Director Roar Meland, declaring Harald Vik's house open.
