5th November 2009 05:07
Helland, 67, is well known throughout the country for her indefatigable spirit and commitment to the sport. A former national class athlete, she has coached young athletes at the BUL club for more than 40 years.
Her prize, which was presented by federation president Svein Arne Hansen, included the signed and numbered lithograph print given to each of the other 23 women named as national winners across Europe.
Thordis Gisladottir of Iceland was selected by European Athletics to receive the overall prize for 2009 and represent the national winners at the European Athletics Awards Dinner in Budapest on 17 October.
The European Athletics Women's Leadership Awards were created this year to recognise the contribution of women to athletics and raise awareness of issues affecting women and women leaders in the sport.
A full profile of Unni Helland will be published on www.european-athletics.org in the coming weeks.