Latest ONSW News
Baulkham Hills High School has taken back the trophy they won on debut two years, claiming the Sydney West Secondary schools title.
Glenwood finished a close second, having brought a bigger contingent this year.
Challenging courses around Fred Caterson Reserve at Castle Hill tested the 200+ students on a thankfully sunny day following Thursday's downpours.
The usual format of a map walk, age race and three-person relay showcased our sport to impressionable teachers and had them keen to return in 2019.
Thanks to all the helpers and especially Barbara Hill who took over the organisation of the Sydney West days this year.
Mawarra Public School love our annual Sydney South West primary championships: they have been coming years... and winning regularly.
So it was again on Wednesday at Camden Bicentennial Equestrian Centre where 270 students in Years 4-6 had a day to remember.
A drizzly map walk, age races under clearing skies and the joy/chaos of the relay as the sun came out made for a great experience that brings many of the schools back year after year.
When the results were compiled, Mawarra had four firsts, three seconds and a third from the six age classes to be clear winners.
Our SHOO club have been running these champs for more than 30 years and do it with a passion that rubs off on the kids, parents and teachers.
Thanks to all the helpers. Results are on Eventor and Clare Jessup compiled a lovely Facebook photo album.
Paul Darvodelsky has passed away, surrounded by friends and family in Alice Springs.
Paul, 56, was one of the St Ives High School kids - taught by Garingal amigo Ron Junghans - who helped form Big Foot Orienteers more than 30 years ago.
Long time great mate and former BF president Andy Simpson penned this tribute: "Paul and his cohort produced Big Foot's first orienteering maps, chose the club's name and colours and, just as importantly, set a course of irreverent competitiveness that is still at the heart of what we are about as a club.
"Paul's approach to orienteering in those years is exemplified by his map of a massive section of forest on the Jenolan Caves Road which was named Billenbenbong and had a lurid pink infill.
"As a competitor, Paul developed rock-solid foot orienteering skills as the sport evolved in Australia and was one of Australia's elite orienteers for over a decade.
"Later in life he took to two wheels with great enthusiasm and more success, his frame more suited to riding than running. He made the Australian World Champs Mountain Bike Orienteering team from 2006-2008 and was a useful amateur road and MTB rider.
"Thanks to Cath and the Darvodelsky family for sharing Paul's life with us - we have plenty of great memories: whether it be orienteering trips to Europe, knocking around in Valiants in the early 90s or just drafting off him out on a ride."
More recently, Paul was a mentor and coach to many aspiring riders, notably Lucy Mackie who won a silver medal at the 2017 junior world MTBO championships.
ONSW extends our sympathies to his family and friends.
Funeral notice: there will be a celebration of Paul's life at Mt Colah Community Centre, Pierre Close, on Monday July 2 at 2pm followed by afternoon tea. Paul wanted happy colours so no black please. Feel free to bring a photo of Paul to display for a photo wall.
Entries are now open for the NSW Sprint Champs on the intricate UNSW map on Sunday July 29.
This is the biggest sprint event in NSW for 2018 and on one of the best maps in the state, fit and rested after a couple of years off.
The Eventor page has preliminary information and a copy of the map. Free parking is available inside the uni.
Jamie Kennedy is setting courses expected to be fast and challenging; controls will be SI Air-enabled. Don't forget that double OY points are on offer with it being a state championship.
Although we are in the bush season, you can get some Sprint practice in by attending the Newcastle Shorts on July 14-15 or the SOS event at Pennant Hills HS on Sat July 28.
Meanwhile, entries for State Leagues 10-11 in the Southern Highlands (on July 7-8) have been extended to this Friday, June 29.
