NE North Dakota News

In February, over 400 students from high schools in North Dakota and Minnesota participated in the Fenworks Esports State Tournament at the University of North Dakota (UND). This event marked a significant step for UND's involvement in gaming and esports. However, it also attracted international attention.

A Norwegian organization visited UND during the tournament to explore potential partnerships. Matt Knutson, assistant professor of Esports at UND, stated that the event left a strong impression on their visitors. By May, Knutson was in Norway visiting KRED Norge, an organization focused on digital culture within Sarpsborg's municipal government. Sarpsborg is Grand Forks' sister city.

Knutson and Ole Martin Pedersen Gjestad, managing director of KRED Norge, presented together at an academic esports conference at the University of Agder in Kristiansand. They discussed potential collaborations between UND and KRED.

"The people at KRED did their research and discovered this existing sister city relationship, and it has worked like kismet since then," said Knutson. "We’ve seen so many wonderful fits with what they’re looking for in an American partner."

KRED Norge aims to use gaming, esports, and digital culture as tools for societal change. It evolved from providing space for kids to play games to organizing multi-city esports events. Gjestad noted that unlike the U.S., Norway's approach is based on traditional youth sports structures.

"In Norway, we have sporting organizations that do everything when it comes to recreational sports... You get a jersey, you become part of the team," Gjestad explained.

The collaboration seeks to address limited secondary education options in esports in Norway by offering pathways through UND's programs. Discussions have included Norwegian students taking courses at UND and internship opportunities for Esports students with KRED.

Gjestad expressed enthusiasm about future exchanges: "We see great potential for exciting exchange programs, digital collaborations, and knowledge-sharing between UND and KRED Norge."

Efforts are underway to establish a student exchange program involving Østfold University College near Sarpsborg. Although initial funding efforts fell short, Knutson remains optimistic about future developments.

Knutson credits Melissa Gjellstad from UND’s Department of Languages & Global Studies for supporting interdisciplinary approaches within esports education. Gjellstad highlighted renewed interest in Grand Forks' relationship with Sarpsborg following meetings between local leaders.

Tami Carmichael has been appointed Nordic Initiatives Coordinator at UND. She emphasized Norway's appeal as a study destination due to its cultural heritage ties with North Dakota residents and Scandinavian countries' global rankings for happiness and work-life balance.

Carmichael aims to expand opportunities for research collaborations with Nordic nations while enhancing scholarship options for studying abroad there.

As discussions continue between KRED Norge and UND regarding an esports exchange program under Knutson’s leadership—alongside Carmichael’s efforts—the partnership looks promising.