In just four months since its launch, the NextGen Neighbor Network (NNN) Pilot Project Miljøplakaten Sandslihallen has proven to be one of Bergen, Norway’s most sustainable, fast-growing, and social capital driven movements — capturing the attention of one of Norway’s largest banks, Sparebanken Norge, through its renowned Heart Bank (HjerteBank).

Earlier this month, under the bright lights of the brand-new Gneist Arena, Miljøplakaten Sandslihallenwas honored as one of nine projects selected for financial support from Sparebanken Norge’s inspiring Heartbeat Tour.

Each year, the Heartbeat Tour travels across the country to celebrate volunteerism and fund community causes that strengthen the social capital of Norway. In 2025, the tour visited Fana, Nordhordland, Søre-Sunnmøre, Kristiansand, and Kvinnherad — distributing one million kroner in each region, where local juries selected eight to ten deserving initiatives.

Before an audience of nearly 1,900 people, NextGenNeighbor Network’s Miljøplakaten Sandslihallen, a collaboration between Gneist Gymnastics, Gneist Handball, and Ytrebygda Basketballklubb (YBBK), was awarded 100,000 NOK in recognition of its community impact.

Sparebanken Norge’s Heartbeat Tour is a celebration across six locations nationwide. The tour brings communities together with live concerts, local heroes, a presentation of the top ten local projects, and special guests. 

This recognition for NNN came just four months after the initiative’s official launch on May 28, reflecting the importance of visibility, branding, social media, and how strong storytelling can accelerate awareness (and, yes, even additional funding). The result proves that social capital, when visualized and communicated, becomes one of the most valuable currencies in society. 

Studies show that every Norwegian kroner invested in children’s sports and education returns threefold in public health, inclusion, and workforce participation. A recent report calculated that ensuring just 7,000 more children from low-income families join organized activities would generate a societal gain of 1.5 billion Norwegian Kroner.

All Star Role Models & Leaders 

At the heart of Miljøplakaten Sandslihallen are its value-based role models and leaders. Accepting the financial award were Arne Ingebrigtsen, Head of Ytrebygda Basketballklubb (YBBK) and one of the founders of Basketakademiet, Miriam Danielsen from Gneist Gymnastics, instrumental in embedding the value-based program within the club and providing exceptional guidance and writing; and Lisbeth Sandtorv, Head of Gneist Handball, who coordinates Miljøplakaten Sandslihallen and ensures the project remains deeply rooted in community spirit.

Also present was Bouna Black Ndiaye, professional athlete, Project and Visual Manager for NextGen Neighbor Network — whose creative leadership brings the brand’s visual identity to life through engaging banners, video and graphics. Black Ndiaye plays a significant role in the NextGen Neighbor Network providing administrative support and working hands on with its Founder, Louise Mohn. 

“These community leaders embody the living values of integrity, respect, community, and responsibility — guiding youth and our NNN Young Ambassadors to practice these values under mentorship, and take pride in their social capital,” says Louise Mohn, Founder of the NextGen Neighbor Network.

Miljøplakaten Sandslihallen’s Youth Ambassadors were the main guests of honor accepting the funding and showing their appreciation to Sparebanken Norge. As living proof that social capital is the new currency. They have been great examples of practicing their sports club’s values for years and are now paying it forward. Focused on inclusion, integration, and belonging, whether it’s saying hello to a stranger, helping a teammate feel included, or showing good manners, they turn values into visible behavior.

Social Capital in Sports — Bridging the Gap

Historically in sports, the distance between children, coaches, sponsors, elite athletes, and the boardrooms is remarkably large. Through the NextGen Neighbor Network, this gap is shrinking fast thanks to social capital. It acts as a universal language of connection and engagement that is measured equally among everyone participating. NNN allows everyone — from the youngest participant to the most seasoned leader — to coexist based on their social capital. Every individual is valued for their character, responsibility, and contribution to the group, club, and local society.

This human-centered approach of validating social capital is redefining the sense of belonging in sport. From focusing on competing individually to connecting with a group or team both on and off the court or field, and from individual recognition of a few to inclusion and a sense of belonging for all. 

Awards and acknowledgements based on social capital might just be the new Olympic medal in the future. At least at - Sandslihallen.

A Sustainable Model for the Future

Internally and externally, Miljøplakaten Sandslihallen has evolved into a connected ecosystem — proof that collaboration between schools, parents, sports clubs, and local organizations can create lasting impact. The initiative demonstrates that when our youth is valued for their social capital, and adult role models are present, accountable, compassionate, and reliable - communities thrive and others begin to take notice.