Definition:or·i·en·teer·ing
Or-E-&n-'tEr-i[ng],
(noun):
a cross-country race in which each participant uses a map and compass to navigate between checkpoints along an unfamiliar
course. infinitive: to orienteer
1948 - modification of Swedish orientering, from orientera to orient
My Involvement:
Though I rarely get the chance to take part in this sport nowadays, it will always be my favorite
because of the good memories associated with it. I first became involved in the sport in 1977 when it was one of
the activities in my junior high school outdoor studies program. I quickly became a fanatic and over the years travelled
to various competions and championships in BC, Washington State, Alberta, Manitoba, Newfoundland, Ontario, and Quebec.
While a university student I travelled to Europe in the summers of 1981 and 1982 to take part in such events
ast Norway's "Sorlandsgallopen", Sweden's "O-ringen", Scotland's "Scottish Six-days"and the Finland's "Five Days". I attended
most of these events with a good friend and, in 1982, my brother Terry. Both years, after spending the summer in Europe I
returned to take part in the Men's 19-20 age class of the Canadian Orienteering Championships, and in 1982 I came
first in my class. Even though the field of competitors was failry small the competition was stiff and I am fairly proud of
that achievement.
My involvement in the sport peaked in 1986 when I spent the months January to July competing in various
races in Europe, including the "O-Ringen", the "West German Three days" in Saarland and Sweden's "Tio Mila". The last was
a ten-man team overnight relay event in which I participated with a West German team. (During this time I studied the Swedish
language and probably showed more aptitude for that than the sport I went there to pursue, reaching a quite fluent low intermediate
level.) That summer I took part in the Canadian Championships and placed about eighth in the Men's 21-34 class.
Since then I have taken part in a few events including the Asia Pacific Orienteering Festival in Japan
1992. While working in Seoul, Korea 1993-1996 I joined a club and took part in a number of training events and local championships.
I have not done anything since then, and living as I do in the United Arab Emirates now the only opportunity I might have
would be in the summer vacations.
