In tough economic times, more and more people are borrowing sports equipment from Fritidsbanken. So far this year, over two million items have been lent out - a record that beats last year's 1.8 million, according to Fritidsbanken.
Michel Tornéus visits Fritidsbanken in Skärholmen, south of Stockholm, with his children.
It's time to put away the roller skis and borrow cross-country skis for Vasaloppet. Tornéus wishes that Fritidsbanken had existed when he was growing up.
"If this had existed when my brother and I were little, we would have been here every day. We were very interested in sports, but our finances weren't enough for everything," he says.
"Someone believes in you"
Fritidsbanken is a non-profit organization that functions as a library for sports equipment. It is free to borrow equipment for up to 14 days, and the service is available at over 130 locations in over 120 municipalities around the country. If something breaks, there is no cost - all that is required is that the equipment is returned. In just over a year, the operation in Skärholmen has lent out over 50,000 items.
Tornéus grew up in the Stockholm suburb of Fittja and believes that the business is about more than just sports.
"You only need a phone to borrow things. We believe in you; you can borrow the equipment for two weeks. It's a trust from the beginning," he says.
"Already there, I think many children can feel something they may not have experienced before - that someone believes in them and gives them a chance."
"Could be crucial"
The winter season is high season for Fritidsbanken. Among other things, hockey skates, ski boots and slalom skis are lent out. The equipment is donated by private individuals and organizations. The Swedish Ice Hockey Association, for example, has contributed gloves, helmets and other equipment with the Tre Kronor logo.
"If you already feel a little left out, this chance to try new activities can be crucial. It's a good step into society," Tornéus says.
He has donated several pairs of spiked shoes to Fritidsbanken in Tumba.
+ Started in 2013 as a local business in Deje, Värmland, in the municipality of Forshaga.
+ Currently available in over 130 locations in over 120 different municipalities. 9 out of 10 leisure banks are run by municipalities, the rest are non-profit with municipal support.
+ Everyone can borrow equipment, for up to 14 days at a time, and it's free. In total, Fritidsbanken has 500,000 items in stock.
+ Most-loaned items: hockey skates, alpine ski boots, carving slalom skis, helmets (hockey, alpine), alpine poles, cross-country skis, cross-country poles, floorball stick.
