Latest ONSW News
The weather was perfect for the first event on SHOO's Lake Annan map on Saturday 19 January and the cool conditions drew out plenty of competitors.
The course, set by John Russell, took a lot of thinking to plan a run which took advantage of both the lakes and the cascades. The elusive control 11 left most people scratching their heads. Only Patrik Gunnarsson and Michael Burton had the speed to pick it up, and with clean runs, both gained maximum 300 points. SHOO's Dean Williamson was close behind with 270 points.
Jai Cooper with Dad Steve sprinted around the Easy course in 11.11min, followed by Lachlan Brooks who met up with Mum half way round the course and left her well behind well behind at the finish. It was good to see Raewyn Chapman back orienteering.
The 21st birthday party near the assembly added interest, especially when 2 girls in stilettos came down to find out what we were doing. Shame they didn't have running shoes.
Next week SHOO's Summer Sats #4 is at UWS Macarthur - Campbelltown. This sprint map has been almost doubled in size since the run on it last year. The assembly will again be under cover in the new School of Medicine.
All results and accumulative point scores can be found on SHOO's webpage http://southernhighlands.nsw.orienteering.asn.au.
Andrew Lumsden of Big Foot promised us a new map and a great course at Sydney University on Sunday, and he and Debbie Byers definitely delivered. The map was intricate, with plenty of interesting building detail, gardens, courtyards, and cut throughs. The course took advantage of all of those, to set a 2.1km course with switchbacks and multiple route choices worthy of a World Cup race. The start itself was on a second floor courtyard and the race took the participants on a magical tour of the multiple levels around Sydney University from there. 
Sound too good to be true? Just grab one of the 107 participants and ask them all about it. Alternatively have a look at Route Gadget here.
Missed out? Big Foot intends to return later in the year for another event so keep your eye on the ONSW calendar.
Thanks to Ross Duker for this photograph of the start
Space Racers at Centennial Park might have been forgiven for thinking they really had gone an a journey to the sun with the hottest temperatures of recorded history in Sydney on Friday. Nearly 50 intrepid youngsters braved the roasting heat to complete their 45 minute mission to 20 space stations around the park. NSW coaches were on hand to help, and some of the NSW Juniors, newly back from racing in New Zealand, were also hard at work, putting out controls and shadowing the groups around the course.
The next Space Race is on Thursday 24th January at Curl Curl from 10am-12pm. Pre-entry is now possible as well as entering on the day. http://www.trybooking.com/40142
Space Racing comes to Centennial Park this week on Friday 18 January, and next week to Curl Curl on Thursday 24th January. A great holiday favorite for children, Space Racing has them out in the fresh air, visiting as many space stations as they can in 45 minutes. Perfect for getting ages 8-14 away from the computer and TV screens!
Beginners are welcome with free introductory coaching available. Parents/carers can also join in and are encouraged to accompany the children on the course. Experienced orienteers are available, if required, to shadow beginners.
Although entries are taken on the day parents can now pre-enter their astronauts at http://www.trybooking.com/40142 by 16th January for the Centennial Park mission, and by 22nd January for the Curl Curl event too.
Both events have starts between 10-12am. Cost is $10/child for members, and $13 for non-members and includes the hire of an electronic timing (SI) stick.
