The legendary Ingemar Stenmark becomes an ambassador for Börje Salming’s ALS foundation.
And there was never any doubt for “Stenis” when the request came.
– It was a matter of course for me, says Stenmark to Hockeysverige.se.
On 24 November 2022 passed away Börje Salming after fighting the disease ALS. Since before, it has been clear that among others Nicklas Lidström has become an ambassador for Salming’s ALS foundation, and now it is clear that the skiing icon will too Ingemar Stenmark walk the same way to meet.
“Was terrible”
Stenmark and Salming were neighbors in Vaxholm, and “Stenis” was very touched by following Börje Salming during the time when he fell ill.
– It was terrible. I met Börje for the last time in May or June. Then he was playing golf. After that, everything went really fast. I had heard that this illness could take time, but his illness progressed very quickly. It was terrible to see the development, but it must also have been terrible for the rest of the family, says Ingemar Stenmark to Hockeysverige.se.
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And when the question of becoming an ambassador for Salming’s ALS Foundation came, there was no hesitation whatsoever.
– As I had known Börje and the family for a long time, it was a matter of course for me to say yes when I was asked, says Stenmark.
– It is not very well known in Sweden about the disease ALS. The foundation exists to increase knowledge and understanding of it, but of course also to raise money for research and help relatives.
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Stenmark’s memories
Ingemar Stenmark remembers, among other things, when he traveled to Thailand together with Börje Salming, but he also has several memories of his friend.
– We were a group of guys who traveled to Thailand together. That whole trip is perhaps the best memory. I also remember when he came home on one occasion. There was thunder, hail and everything you can imagine. By then, Börje had been out paddling for six hours. Karln was completely exhausted, concludes Ingemar Stenmark.
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