Perth and Kinross kids take part in orienteering championships

Apr 6 2010 Perthshire Advertiser Tuesday

ALMOST 1000 youngsters could be seen charging around the region during the latest round of the Perth and Kinross primary schools orienteering championships.

A total of five area championships were held this week, with 330 teams of three children from 41 schools stretching the length and breadth of the region taking part.

The event’s grand final is set to take place at Scone Palace on May 11.

Andrea Cox, who attends Newhill Primary in Blairgowrie, cited teamwork as the key factor in claiming the title in the north-east and central schools section.

Crieff’s St Dominic’s Primary created history by claiming all four titles in their category, a feat no other side has managed in the any of the tournament’s previous seven editions.

Tayside Orienteers’ Dave Prentice, whose club helped organise the showpiece event, said hard work, togetherness, and a natural flair for the sport, are necessary for success.

He explained yesterday: “Aside from the talent their team showed, another factor in St Dominic’s triumph was coaching, as they received four lessons prior to the event.

“Having said that though, some other teams finished in the top three of their sections after having just 10 minutes of basic training on the morning of the event – one of which were Perth’s Viewlands Primary, who called themselves ‘the Flower Pot Men’.”

In 2004, western division winners Glenalmond earned 490 points in a time of 41 minutes.

A total of six teams bettered that on Tuesday, something Mr Prentice said signalled “a great improvement”.

Dave continued: “Teachers, and the council’s active schools co-ordinators are doing more coaching, with excellent results.

“Later this year, the Perth and Kinross sports development team will be organising one-day workshops to get more people involved in orienteering.

“There are now 6000 pupils at secondary school-level who’ve at least had a taste of orienteering and there will be a competition for them at Scone Palace in May.”

As a result of its ever-growing popularity locally, hundreds of elite athletes will descend on the Fair City and its surrounding area for an international sprint orienteering showpiece in September.

Regarded in orienteering circles as something of a coup for the area, it is being billed as one of a number of events designed to commemorate Perth’s 800th anniversary this year.

For more information on local fixtures and results, visit www.taysideorienteers.org.uk

The region’s sports development team can be contacted on 01738 472 236 for information on coaching.