You won’t need a map and compass to find orienteering events this spring.
As part of the 2009 National Orienteering Week, scheduled for May 2-10, the Yukon Orienteering Association is kicking off the season with three events at the start of next month.
“It’s an annual event and a national event so orienteering clubs across the country are celebrating orienteering and introducing people to the sport,” said Barbara Scheck, president of Yukon Orienteering Association. “Spring, of course, is a good time to do it.”
Fittingly, the first event will be the annual Learn to O workshop, an introductory session for beginners, on May 2. After meeting at the Mt. McIntyre Recreation Centre, participants will navigate the mountain’s trails.
“It’s a great way to be introduced to the sport, to learn what to expect on our regular Wednesday night meets, to learn about simple route choice and how to interpret the map,” said Scheck. “It’s a good place for novices because there’s a good trail network.
“If they’re using trails, it’s easier for them to follow along. If they’re out in the middle of the forest, then they don’t have a good feature to follow.”
The following event, at Robert Service Campground on May 6, is the first of the regular Wednesday meets. For this semi-urban event, orienteers will use the waterfront map, eventually crossing into Riverdale.
“We chose that map for the beginning of the year because there’s still quite a bit of snow out there,” said Scheck.
The third event will be on an urban course, taking participants through downtown Whitehorse on May 7. Starting in Rotary Park, the event will take place midday with the hope people will come out during their breaks.
“We hope people will get out during their lunchtimes to try it,” said Scheck. “It’s a different time of day than usual. We wanted to pick an area that’s accessible to wheelchairs and strollers.”
More information on these events and the Yukon Orienteering Association can be found at www.yukonorienteering.ca.
Contact Tom Patrick at
tomp@yukon-news.com