ORIENTEERING

PANELISTS Jan-Erik Naess Team Athlete

Bogi Gyorfi Executive Director, Orienteering Association

Charlotte MacNaughton MODERATOR Board Member, Founder, SOGO Adventure Running Catriona Le May Doan President & CEO, Sport ORIENTEERING THE BASIC FACTS

Orienteering is an exciting outdoor adventure sport suitable for all ages and fitness levels.

The object is to run, walk, ski, or mountain bike to a series of points shown on the map, choosing routes–both on and off trail–that will help you find all the required points and get back to the finish in the shortest amount of time.

Orienteering is often called the “thinking sport” because it involves map reading and decision-making in addition to a great workout.

Special Orienteering maps are used at events. Topographic maps which show many details.

For Try-it event sometimes Google maps or street maps can be used too. be used for orienteering (even a street map), but the best ones are very detailed five-color topographic maps (1:4,000 – 1:15,000 scale) developed especially for the sport. ORIENTEERING THE BASIC FACTS

Canmore Nordic Center has permanent courses. The maps can be purchased at the day lodge for couple bucks.

Orienteering courses run from Beginner 1-2km to Advanced courses 6-8 km as the crow flies. It usually ends up bit more because of route finding.

National Orienteering Week (NOW) happens from May 19-26. We usually have public events to Try Orienteering.

In Canada we don’t use color code for courses : generally we have Beginner/Novice , Intermediate and Advanced courses. ORIENTEERING SPORT SAFETY

Orienteering is very safety conscious. Organizers and coaches are trained and certified and always complete site checks and try to mitigate the risks of the activities.

We have easy to read safety recommendations (in a brochure format too. We include these info sheets at registration and sign ups and remind participants that its is useful to be familiar with these.

The safest way is to Try Orienteering in a city/urban event which are held in parks. ORIENTEERING

EQUIPMENT REQUIREMENTS & COST

Weather appropriate exercise apparel for moving through the forest or urban area. As a newcomer, Everything else is provided at the events. just be dressed ready for an outdoor activity prepared to run or walk as you choose. If your Course map. (to be provided by organizer) Control first event is in woodland or forest, full leg cover card or electronic punch – showing proof that the is recommended. orienteers made it to the appropriate check points, and in the correct order Non-slip running shoes recommended. Equipment cost: Nothing special required when Eye protection (i.e. sunglasses – tinted or clear) to starting. Clubs have compasses and SI sticks to protect your eyes from branches and other borrow. obstacles Compass $20-80, SI Timing stick $40-$80 Accessories: a timing device to record your race and a compass (provided at the events) ORIENTEERING MEMBERSHIP & TRYOUTS COST

Membership cost: 2021 membership is We will have many opportunities spring and reduced to $10. (Usually around $30 for summer as soon as its allowed. Find the Calgary adults and $10 for kids.) SOGO Kids are events here: https://orienteeringcalgary.ca/ free. When: it will be updated as soon as we can start Session /season fee cost: Sogo program with outside sport events maybe as early as around $100 - $150 per season. April/May

Beginner clinics around $20 per lesson. Cost: Try-it events are usually free . Regular urban AOA does outreach programs and usually event cost $10 per map. the cost is the map fee $5

Try out cost: free ORIENTEERING RESOURCES

• Orienteering Canada: National Sport Organization http://www.orienteering.ca/

• Orienteering Alberta Association: Provincial Sport Organization https://www.orienteeringalberta.ca/

Sport Calgary Members

• Orienteering in Calgary: Sport Calgary members • Foothills Wanderers Orienteering Club for kids and adults https://orienteeringcalgary.ca/ • Youth Program and Access program SOGO: https://www.sogoadventurerunning.com/ CONTACTS PANELISTS THANKS FOR Website: sportcalgary.ca Email: [email protected] JOINING US! QUESTIONS?