Development clinic at World Championships
Posted on | August 15, 2011 | Category: News
Almost 50 athletes and coaches from 12 of the IOF’s younger and less developed nations are taking part in a Development Clinic in conjunction with the World Championships, part-funded and supported by the French government and orienteering federation in recognition of the IOF’s 50th anniversary.
The inspiration for the clinic came from the Swedish O-Ringen Academy, where for many years individuals from nations new to orienteering have benefited from special training and support. Here in France, there are several athletes and coaches from each nation attending. Participants have come relatively short distances from, for example, Cyprus, Macedonia and Serbia, but also from as far away as Barbados, Chinese Taipei and Korea.
The clinic began 2 days before the first qualification races, and participants have had a quick introduction to how to orienteer in the complex limestone terrain of the championships areas – very different from their home terrain. The outdoor technical sessions have been interspersed with seminars on various development topics, map-making and other orienteering disciplines.
The athletes have found the qualification races hard, but several have successfully completed their courses in reasonable times. Their next challenge is the sprint qualification in Aix-les-Bains.
The group is meeting regularly throughout the Championships to swop experiences and learn from each other, and the Clinic leaders are continuously giving advice and support. It is anticipated that the contacts made will lead to a lot of mutual cooperation between country representatives in different regions; some of the young athletes present are clearly being inspired by experiencing orienteering at a higher level.
Photos: Laszlo Zentai
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