Orienteering stars descend on Perth

Sep 10 2010 by Johnathon Menzies, Perthshire Advertiser Friday

THE WORLD’S best orienteering talent will descend on Perth today and tomorrow to compete for top honours in the renowned Park World Tour.

Athletes from 17 nations, including Sweden’s world championship silver medallist, Helena Jansson, and Latvian former European silver medallist, Martins Sirmais – will race through the streets of the Fair City in a bid to claim a share of the 5000 prize purse.

The PWT is classed as a sprint orienteering race, where competitors run round a set course in search of ‘controls’, navigating the quickest possible route.

Speaking ahead of the showpiece, former world championship relay gold medallist, Graham Gristwood, explained: “Sprint orienteering requires maximum speed and intense concentration.

“Errors are severely punished and complex decisions have to be made very quickly. I can’t wait to test myself in Perth.”

Alongside invited athletes, local competitors will be given the chance to pit thier wits against some of the world’s best.

Those fast enough will be given places in the final and the chance to win a share of the coveted prize money.

Gristwood, the current national champion, heads the British challenge, while Edinburgh-based Murray Strain and Hazel Wright will fly the flag for the Scots.

Davie Frame (Murthly) and Grahame Nicoll (Birnam) will chase the veteran’s crown.

Scott Fraser, professional officer with the Scottish Orienteering Association said: “The PWT has been held for a number of years and is all about bringing orienteering to spectators.

“Some fantastic cities have hosted the event – such as Venice, Prague and Oslo, and now it’s Perth’s turn.

“We’ve been supported throughout by Perth and Kinross Council and have been working with them for months on this event, which forms part of the ongoing Perth 800 celebrations.

Along with our sponsors, Event Scotland and local firm I&H Brown, we hope the PWT will act as the perfect showcase for both the sport and the historic city of Perth.”

Today’s qualification heat is being held within the grounds of Scone Palace, where competitors will be tested by a fast-paced race in the historic site’s parkland.

Tomorrow’s final is to take place in Perth city centre, with competitors congregating on the plaza outside Perth Concert Hall.

Competitors will chart a course through the narrow streets and vennels of the Fair City’s historic town centre, giving spectators the chance to see the world’s best up close.

Respected professional commentator, Per Forsberg, has been enlisted to preside over affairs.

In addition, both primary and secondary school pupils from schools throughout Perth and Kinross have been invited to take part in the qualification races.

It is believed as many as 150 youngsters will take part.

Dave Prentice, local orienteer and organiser of the sport’s Perth and Kinross schools programme, said: “It will be interesting to see if any budding champions emerge from the intricate garden and woodland terrain at Scone.

“Everyone will have the opportunity to watch the world’s best and see how it should be done.”