In just four years the Sydney North schools champs have grown from 24 to 150 participants. Monday's event at St Ives Showground enjoyed perfect weather and welcomed more schools than ever (14).
Riverside Girls sent along 50 students in Years 7-10 and took out the champion high school, while new kids on the block West Pymble won champion primary school at their first attempt.
Noteworthy performances were from Clyde McGhee (year 5, Harbord PS) who came 2nd in the Boys 14-15A class and Tshinta Hopper (Year 7, Manly Selective) who won the Girls 14-15 A class.
Among the rookies it was great to see many of them trying the A courses which involved a little navigation through the easily runnable bush surrounding the showgrounds.
A huge thank you must go to Barbara Hill, the organiser on behalf of ONSW, and Andrew Mitchell from North Sydney Boys HS who co-ordinates the entries. We could not run these days without the fantastic pool of volunteer coaches and helpers who ensure the students get a positive introduction to our sport.
Around 90% have never done orienteering but they all come away with a great experience and eagerly looking forward to next year.
Speaking of which... if you have or know children at a public school, please let their PE head or sports organiser know about these schools championships - it's as much mental effort as physical and gets the students into our wonderful bushland and reserves.
In 2014 our total attendance at schools champs/gala days will top 2,000 - another record.
Next up are the NSW schools champs in Newcastle on August 16-17. The Saturday consist of two sprint races around school campuses, and Sunday is a middle distance event in the bush near the freeway.
