Almost exactly two years ago, the Härryda Hundarena was opened near Gothenburg to enable regular training in the long winter months. The initiators behind the project are the two siblings Fiona and Emily Lövdinger. Both well-known Agility faces in Sweden who have realized a heart project with the building. An own Agility hall with the possibility to carry out competitions and a modern training facility in the west of Sweden.
The first year as a start-up is usually not an easy one and, like the entire project, a great financial risk. Nevertheless, the two were confident about the future after this first year. Until, after almost exactly a year, the world was overshadowed by the corona pandemic. Little by little, one competition over the next was canceled and thus also the largest source of income for the young company. Despite all the circumstances, they wanted to at least wait for the summer of 2020 and hoped for an improvement in the situation as early as autumn 2020. In order to survive this period, the two of them put a lot of their private assets into the company.
The so much hoped improvement did not occur. On the contrary. The winter 2020/2021 did not allow any competitions due to the pandemic. A time in which the two led countless discussions about whether they want to stick to the project or whether to draw a final line. A time in which many rumors were spread behind the backs of the initiators. Salt was sprinkled into the wound, so to speak. Because despite all the displeasure about the difficult situation, the two never lost sight of the vision of a dog arena for Sweden and especially for the region. As much more painful was it to hear the rumors, some of which were brought up out of nothing. Rumors that would have been cleared up immediately upon request.
But maybe that’s exactly what sets Fiona and Emily Lövdinger apart from many. That they keep a cool head and look forward even in such situations. After all, it looks like the Corona issue is slowly but surely coming to an end. Maybe just in time for the Härryda Hundarena. In times like these, however, they are happy to receive support. Especially in the summer months when, contrary to the development in many other countries, a large part of the Agility world in Sweden takes place outside. So in the same Facebook post on which this article is based on, they ask the Swedish community for help to move a training session in the hall instead of an outdoor session. This may be a small contribution, but every amount counts to make it through this summer.
The Härryda Hundarena is just one of many examples of halls where the pandemic is robbing the economic basis and thus endangering the whole existence. Fiona and Emily Lövdinger were brave enough to publish these deep insights in a detailed post on Facebook. That deserves the utmost respect. Because there is one thing we athletes shouldn’t forget. Without the right infrastructure, our sport would not be where it is now. Be it in terms of comfort and primarily the safety of the dogs. And the Härryda Hundarena is also one part of it.
Source: https://www.facebook.com/harrydahundarena/posts/758992171646700