Axel Svensson, 17, from Vimmerby, has lived his entire life with neuropsychiatric functional impairments, such as ADHD, ADD, or autism, and a CP injury that impairs his balance. His biggest dream since childhood has been to compete in the major enduro competition Novemberkåsan. Last year, Axel Svensson finally stood on the starting line of Novemberkåsan, marking a significant personal achievement.
Novemberkåsan is Sweden's largest motorsport event in terms of audience numbers, with last year's edition in Vimmerby estimated to have over 30,000 spectators. It is one of Sweden's oldest and most famous motorcycle competitions, held annually at various locations around Sweden since 1915. The competition is run with a day and a night stage, with a total length of around 30 miles in difficult terrain.
It makes you think about other things. There have been tough periods sometimes and then it's what saves you.
Axel Svensson's journey to Novemberkåsan will also become a documentary by Matz Eklund. In 2014, Axel was present with his family to watch Novemberkåsan in Vimmerby, which sparked his dream of one day standing on the starting line himself.
He hasn't had the prerequisites to do this, and then it's been cool to see his spark and joy. So it's been absolutely fantastic to be able to follow him on this journey.