Øyvind Strand

Optimisten

Skagerak Arena is located in my neighborhood, it is the home stadium of the ODD Football Club, among the best clubs in Norway. At the days of home matches people gather early and I have noticed three young men loaded with supporter equipment in black and white, singing and shouting like supporters always do. They are true optimists and singing with their rough voices «Vi taper aldri!» (We never lose). Even on their return after losing matches they still shout and sing optimistic about the next match and victories to come.

These, and all other optimists, really deserve their own march for praise and encouragement. It is important to have people who can turn losses to victory and spread a good atmosphere to other people and society in general, being football or other settings.

«The Optimist» is a march with light and fresh rhythms kept in a bright and optimistic tone and it can be used in various contexts. It starts and ends with the shout «Vi taper aldri!» (We never loose) and at the end of the trio-part you can hear some bars form the song «Seier’n er vår» (Victory is ours).

- Øyvind Strand -