Award of the George Cross to Malta This medal is awarded only for acts of the greatest heroism or the most conspicuous courage in circumstances of extreme danger. One of only two collective awards of the George Cross was the award to Malta. This award was made by King George VI by a letter in his own hand: The Governor Malta To honour her brave people I award the George Cross to the Island Fortress of Malta to bear witness to a heroism and devotion that will long be famous in history. George R.I. April 15th 1942 Lieutenant-General Sir William Dobbie answered: By God's help Malta will
Cross-country skiing (sport) in Norway during the 18th and 19th centuries, but were discontinued when the main ski festival in Oslo focused on long races (competitive cross-country skiing) and ski jumping (now known as the Nordic disciplines). The alpine disciplines reemerged in Central Europe around 1920. "Ski touring competitions" () are long-distance cross-country competitions open to the public, competition is usually within age categories. In the 1800s racers used a single, wooden pole, which was longer and stronger than modern poles, and could be used for braking downhill, as well. In Norway, racing with two poles ("Finland style") met with resistance, starting in