PHOTO: Bildbyrån + Instagram
During the weekend, Börje Salming was greatly honored in his home region.
The late hockey icon was awarded both a statue and his own street in Kiruna during an emotional ceremony.
– It is difficult to keep it together now, says brother Stig Salming to SportExpressen.
For just over a week, the whole of hockey Sweden has been mourning Börje Salmings tragic demise. The last time passed far too quickly when the terrible nerve disease ALS weakened the legend’s body, he was 71 years old.
Börje’s statue
The loss has been great and the sadness enormous lately. This weekend, the icon received his great recognition in his home district of Kiruna when he was awarded both his own street and his very own statue, made of ice.
The article continues after the picture.
The emotional ceremony was held in the ice hotel in Jukkasjärvi, a couple of miles outside Kiruna, and the immediate family was there to unveil the gifts. First, the street sign was published where the former Matojärvigatan in Kiruna, where Börje grew up, is now called Börje Salmings gata.
– It is honourable, of course, but it will take a while to get used to the fact that it is not Matojärvigatan anymore, says older brother Stig Salming to SportExpressen.
– Here we have taken care of each other.
READ MORE: Börje Salming’s last wish in life – older brother Stig Salming reveals the icon’s plea: “It was his demand”
Wife’s tears
Then it was time to unveil the ice statue of Börje Salming, see it below. During the ceremony, the author and craftsman also cheered Thomas Marainen and everything together became an incredibly moving tribute ceremony to one of Swedish hockey’s greatest ever.
– I’m shocked that it happened so quickly and you didn’t get to do what you wanted and then you have to try to hold it together now. It is difficult, Stig tells the evening newspaper.
The article continues after the picture.
Madam Pia Salming was moved to tears and was comforted by elder brother Salming. The children Teresa, Rasmus and Anders were also present together with several grandchildren.
– We see him as our grandfather and grandfather. Like the kind weird person he was to us. He took care of us. Always stood up and showed us what to do, says the grandson Nova Salming for SVT Sport.
– My favorite person ever, she says and is agreed by the others.
– He wanted to be involved as much as possible in our upbringing. He has left a big mark, the grandchildren say to each other.
READ MORE: Stig Salming opens up about Börje Salming’s last time – the strong confession about his brother: “Then the body gave up”
See the statue: