Call for working group to improve event procedures
- Last Updated: Tuesday, 07 April 2020 16:45
The COVID-19 situation has given us some time to reflect on how we run many of our smaller events.
ONSW would like now to start up a working group of volunteers experienced in running computers and registration at minor events.
The immediate aim of the working group would be to develop and implement procedures to ensure events can be held safely once the COVID-19 restrictions are eased. This includes:
* minimising contact with shared surfaces
* ensuring safe distancing
* each event having a list of attendees so contact tracing can occur quickly if needed
The working group could move onto more general improvements to help orienteering efficiency and to encourage greater participation. This could include freeing up volunteers, using the same procedures for registration at enter-on-day events and improving our marketing information for people new to orienteering.
If you are interested in leading or being part of this working group please contact Andrew Lumsden (This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. or 9412 3545).
The Hut gets a spruce-up
- Last Updated: Monday, 30 March 2020 21:14
Our tireless Friends of the Hut have given Belanglo House a thorough going over at the weekend.
A massive thanks to Doug and Keith Jay, Dave Lotty, Kevin Curby and Peter Howe - who all practised safe distancing while doing a mountain of work.
The new water tank is programmed for delivery just after Easter.
Peter reports some of the projects accomplished were:
* Completed the excavation for the proposed Water Tank by all. One and a half tonnes of crushed metal was delivered and compacted for the base.
* Cleared the drain blockage from the bathroom sink - the less said about this task the better! A new "S" Bend replaced the original bend and a new three-way union installed to join the existing pipes together.
* New duck boards were installed on the bathroom floor. A 12m trench was dug to extend the drain from the bathroom and new pipe
installed.
* A wire screen was installed in front of the woodshed. Hopefully this will deter people who have been helping themselves to the supplies.
* Daffodil bulbs excavated from the the area for the new tank have been planted in front of the outhouse. This should look nice in the in the coming months.
Kids rock at MetrO League 1
- Last Updated: Monday, 23 March 2020 14:19
Our juniors shone in round 1 of MetrO League at Castle Hill on Sunday.
Big Foot borrowed WHO's Fred Caterson Reserve map, which had a mix of bush tracks and intricate small rockfaces.
Riley Grainger and Cooper Horley were fastest in Division 2 as (Garingal) started their title defence in a close win over the Also-Rans made up from runners surplus to their clubs' requirements. IKO's Cameron Will was sixth.
In Division 3, GO rookie Tim McConaghy achieved a top-10 placing on debut, while Callum Waland was third in Division 4.
WHO's most recent SSS course setter Will Kay topped Division 5 and Big Foot primary schooler (just 10 years old, wow!) Alton Freeman was third.
In the new Division 6, Big Foot's Jamie Marsh was 3rd, SHOO 9-year-old Rory Shedden (crumbs - they're getting younger!) was 4th and WHO 12-year-old Lachlan Coady was 7th. Division 6 is on the Easy side of Moderate navigation, so these kids are already ahead of the curve.
These are fantastic results and very promising for the future.
All the results and links are on the ML web page.
A big thanks to Big Foot for a great event in difficult circumstances.
Garingal dominate NSW Sprint Champs
- Last Updated: Saturday, 21 March 2020 22:27
The atmosphere was subdued but the pace was hot at the NSW Sprint Champs at Botany on Saturday.
With everyone very mindful of the coronavirus protocols, the 200 participants kept a respectable distance socially while being able to really stretch their legs on the flat open parkland beside Botany Bay.
Courses started with some short zigzagging through the dunelands in the western section. This was much more deceptive than the map shows and several people lost valuable time in here.
Once clear, though, it was a sprint in all senses of the word back past the lakes, the playground and the animal sculptures to the finish beside the oval that hosts the Botany Bay Gift.
The Gift is one of the oldest events in Australian professional athletics, reached its prime in the late 1990s with the prize pool reaching upwards of $100,000, and was resurrected in 2016.
Big Foot siblings Rebecca and Alastair George gave the map and update and Wayne Eliot (ex-WA Nomad NOL) set the courses.
Garingal took out 20 age classes, and it was great to see lots of rookies taking their first steps at State League level.
Prizes of shortbread were quickly scoffed by the winners! Thanks Uringa.
Results and Splits links are on the State League web page.
Our next scheduled State League events are in Newcastle for the QB III carnival over the June long weekend.
