Orienteering school league at Delta Park

Orienteering is a sport that involves using maps and compasses to navigate from point to point in a diverse and usually unfamiliar terrain while moving at speed.

Over 350 learners from 17 different schools, both government and private, participated in the orienteering school league at Delta Park on Monday, March 11.

The event was organised and run by volunteers from the two main Gauteng clubs, namely Rand Athletics Club Orienteers (RACO) and Rand Orienteering Club (ROC).

The Gauteng Orienteering Schools League (GOSL) launched 24 years ago to introduce school learners to the sport and encourage cross-over into and growth of the orienteering community at club level. The event takes place once a year during the first term at various schools and parks around Johannesburg.

The season has one training event and five competitive log-scoring events, followed by a final which is for the top athletes and by selection only. Distances of each of the courses are typically 1.5 to 2.5 km depending on the ages of competitors.

Barbara de Leeuw-Morrison, the coordinator for the GOSL, explained that orienteering is a fun and adventurous outdoor sport that combines physical speed and endurance with mental sharpness and decision-making. “It’s the foundation of wilderness navigation.”

Orienteering is a sport that requires one to be able to read and use a map. “We are trying to grow the sport of orienteering and love introducing new learners from different schools and get them to come and join sports clubs.

“Orienteering is a sport for everyone, no matter their age, level of fitness, or experience. You can walk, jog, or run, depending on your level of fitness and how competitive you wish to be. In club orienteering, you can progress to more demanding courses as your navigating skills and fitness improve.”

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