This year's "Local Hero Award" went to one of the WMG Delegates; Norway's own Walter Heidkampf

Each year the Board of Directors is asked by the Executive Producer to give their approval to a “Local Hero Award”. The “Local Hero Award” is given to a gay man from the host country that has done an extraordinary effort for the gay community.

This year’s nomination got a unanimously acceptance by the board.

The Local Hero Award

The Local Hero Award recognizes the outstanding contribution of a member of the community in which the Worldwide Mr. Gay finals are held.

To be eligible for the award, this person must have demonstrated a commitment to changing their world for the better in a meaningful and measurable way.

This year the Board of Directors have selected a man who has dedicated his recent life to supporting members of Oslo’s gay and lesbian community in one of the most important fields – that of HIV health and education.

The board not only admire his commitment to improving the lives of others in his community but also the way in which he has overcome daunting personal challenges.

He has been living with HIV for 20 years, he has overcome drug addiction, and at 50 he is the oldest delegate in the competition this year and is the current Mr. Norway. His motto is “Be safe, be sexy”.

We are proud to present this year’s Local Hero Award to Walter Heidkampf.