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.” 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.
Cost
£3 adults, £1 under 16’s. Registration from 8:30am, START from 9:30am.
Prize
presentation scheduled 11:30am. The farm Café 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, urban areas and plantations.
“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!
