Press Releases

On Friday June 5, Östra Skolan participates in Pannben Kids, part of Pannben which takes place in Hudiksvall June 4–6. Around 420 students in grades 7–9 will take part in a day filled with movement and community.

– It feels incredibly exciting with the Pannben Kids day. I see it as a day that benefits the students both in physical activities and from a social perspective where everyone gets to be together. It feels great that the day is for everyone, both students and staff and for everyone in Hudiksvall, says Tina Olofsdotter, Deputy Principal, Östra Skolan.

Pannben Kids is an initiative about the joy of movement, community and doing things together. By bringing together students, staff and organizers, a day is created where everyone can participate, on their own terms. The collaboration with Östra Skolan shows how school, sports and events together can contribute to a more active and vibrant Hudiksvall.

– Pannben Kids is an initiative that highlights participation, activity and positive encounters between young people. Being able to carry this out in collaboration with Östra Skolan feels both meaningful and inspiring, and we look forward to a day that contributes to an even more active and engaged Hudiksvall, says Niclas Andersén, CEO of I Balans Idrottscenter.

– We think it's exciting with this collaboration between the school and I Balans and really look forward to the Pannben Kids day, concludes Tina.

I Balans Idrottscenter (part of Aktivitetsfabriken) is a meeting place for sports, health and movement in Hudiksvall. The organization works to give more children, young people and adults the opportunity to be active and participate in inclusive contexts. I Balans is the organizer of Pannben – an event that combines movement, community and experiences for all of Hudiksvall.

Pannben – challenge race in Hudiksvall June 4–6, 2026 – strengthens its long-term commitment to children, youth and the joy of movement through a main partnership with Brynäs IF.

The collaboration spans 2026 and 2027, with one of Sweden's most prestigious sports clubs stepping in as main partner to Pannben – one of the region's fastest-growing sports and community events. The partnership includes Pannben Relay, Pannben Kids and Pannben the Race, where Brynäs IF contributes with engagement, expertise and role models.

Through on-site presence, activation at the start and finish area, contributing expertise to Pannben Kids and joint communication, the parties want to create more safe meeting places and lower the barriers to sports and physical activity.

– Pannben represents values that align perfectly with how we at Brynäs IF view the role of sports in society. It's about inclusion, courage, community and giving children and young people a good start in life. That's why this partnership feels both natural and important to us, says Jakob Westerlund, Commercial Director at Brynäs IF.

The collaboration is based on the 'A Good Start' model and a shared responsibility to highlight issues related to social sustainability, equality and long-term community benefit – both on and off the sports arena.

– Having Brynäs IF join as main partner for two years is a very strong validation of what we're building with Pannben. This is not a traditional sponsorship, but a partnership where we share values, ambitions and the desire to make a real difference locally, says Niclas Andersén, CEO of organizer I Balans Idrottscenter (part of Aktivitetsfabriken).

The purpose of the partnership is to create long-term effects where sports, business and civil society meet around children's and young people's opportunities for movement and community.

Pannben 2026 takes place June 4–6 in Hudiksvall with several components during the week, where Pannben Kids continues to be a central part of the investment in the next generation.

For more information: pannbentherace.se