Orienteering in the Isle of Man is set to host a championship, by a team who are passionate about developing the sport on the Island.
“In Orienteering events, the aim is to navigate in sequence between a set of control points and decide the best route to complete the course in the quickest time. It does not matter how young, old or fit you are, as you can run, walk or jog the course and progress at your own pace.” said Tony Garratt
The 7 Kingdoms Isle of Man Orienteering Championship takes place on Saturday 16th September, at 9:30am. Based from Knockaloebeg Farm, the open event will use standard orienteering flags and punches. Participants enter one of three course challenge levels, the top level being the Championship course. Pre-registration is encouraged online. Follow the Facebook page :
https://www.facebook.com/IoMOrienteering/
Cost ?3 adults, ?1 under 16’s. Registration from 8:30am, START from 9:30am.
Prize presentation scheduled 11:30am. The farm Cafe will be open throughout.
The Championship is a collaboration between The 7 Kingdoms Events organisers, Adventurous Experiences, Knockaloebeg Farm, Peel Town Commissioners and the Isle of Man Orienteering Klubb (IoMOK).
William Higgins, a teacher at Cronk Y Berry primary school, has been driving grassroots Orienteering for a number of years, setting up fun courses in school grounds.
He said: “There is a real drive for organising fun, family friendly orienteering training and events, 'learn 2 orienteer' & 'try orienteering' at venues around the Isle of Man. Orienteering is such an accessible activity!”
Inspired by a visiting team of professional orienteers in 2012, William and Sandor Talas (an island resident and an organiser of the World Orienteering Championships) established a permanent course in Nobles Park, as well as being instrumental in establishing other permanent courses in Archallagan Plantation (backed by DEFA), Peel Hill, and the town itself, and recently Knockaloe Beg farm. All with high grade maps and courses.
IoMOK was formed in March, and brought together people from a variety of professional backgrounds and a common love of Orienteering and the great outdoors!
The next IoMOK event (everyone including absolute beginners welcome), is Sunday 9th July on Peel Hill, at 2pm, meeting just above Fenella Beach.
Cost - ?1 per person to cover map printing. For those who want a taster before the Championships in September, this is the opportunity!
Photo - Finn Martin 'dibbing in' at an orienteering control, with Steve Parry coming in next, on Peel Hill (location for Championship in September). Photo courtesy of Keirron Tastagh.
