Latest ONSW News
A big thanks to Bold Horizons for another wonderful Women's Nav Skills Weekend in the Hunter Valley.
This annual fixture is for females of all ages and abilities; it introduces rookies to the bush while refreshing experienced orienteers as we head into our winter season.
More than 30 women were entertained and educated by coaches Hilary Wood, Tracy Marsh, Paula Shingler, Martina Craig and Cath Chalmers over the two days.
There was also insightful discussion with endurance athlete Leah Gilbert whilst savouring dinner on Saturday evening.
First-timer Jenni Whitelaw, who comes from a trekking background said: "I thought that learning how to use a map and compass would help us trekkers if we ever get into trouble.
"A few girls went last year and had a fabulous time, and I thoroughly enjoyed it too. I suffer from brain cancer and using your brain was a really nice complement to being out in nature.
"All kids in schools should be taught these skills; orienteering is so good for young brains and you're also getting exercise."
ONSW thanks Barbara Hill and her team of coaches for another great weekend with terrific feedback.
We are delighted to announce a new orienteering club has formed in Port Macquarie on the state's mid-north coast.
Hastings Orienteering Group, or the HOGs as they will be known, have this week affiliated with ONSW and become our 14th club.
This has come about thanks to the great response to the two promotional weekends run by Marketing & Communications Officer Ian Jessup and his fantastic helpers from various ONSW clubs.
The inaugural president is Matt Bell, a former member of Garingal.
We look forward to their first 'official' events. HOGs will run a Facebook group for a while before adding a website. We will advertise their events and news via all our usual avenues.
Multiple JWOC and WOC representative Tracy Marsh represented orienteering on a panel of elite female athletes inspiring young girls to take up and remain in sport at Marrickville on Wednesday.
Tracy (pictured with microphone) was joined by current Australian reps in softball, lacrosse and rugby league to educate 120 teenagers from four schools as part of the Girls Get Active program.
Each of the 4 gave some background of their sport and outlined training, setbacks and highs of their careers.
The schoolgirls then participated in some brief clinics of softball, soccer, lacrosse and orienteering where they did a quick 20-minute score course around Mackey Park.
Many of the girls didn't realise orienteering 'was even a sport' but took to the challenge with gusto.
ONSW thanks SportNSW and Inner West Council for the invitation and looks forward to further involvement in this great initiative.
The Craig family from Newcastle cleaned up at the 2019 O'Shea 2-days on the Central Coast in a closely-fought tussle over 3 runs at the weekend.
Father Stephen and son Alvin (pictued with CC president Robyn Pallas) took out the Long Pairs division, while mum Martina and daughter Rebecca came third in the Short Pairs.
The 55 entries were dominated by family teams: Bennelongers David McGhee and son Clyde winning the Short Pairs, while Garingal couples Toni Bachvarova and Andrew Smith (third in Long Pairs) and Peter Fozo and Aniko Fozo-Kertesz (second in Short Pairs) were also among the awesome cake prize winners.
Big Foot clubmates Andrew Brown and Nicole Mealing were second in the Long Pairs.
The opening event was a Saturday afternoon relay at Kincumber Moountain, the night event was at Mt Penang and the Sunday morning team score event was at Kincumber.
Overall results can be viewed here. Thanks to Central Coast for another great weekend.
