British Orienteering
We are really pleased to be supporting National Family Week as orienteering is a sport that all the family can enjoy together. We hope that lots of families will come along and give orienteering a try.
Caroline Povey
Website: www.britishorienteering.org.uk
Orienteering is a challenging outdoor adventure sport that exercises both the mind and the body. The aim is to navigate in sequence between control points marked on a unique orienteering map and decide the best route to complete the course in the quickest time. It does not matter how young, old or fit you are, as you can run, walk or jog the course and progress at your own pace. The sport is very family orientated, with events and courses suitable for all ages.
Orienteering is a great sport for children, allowing them to have fun in the outdoors, learn about the countryside, develop special awareness, increase fitness levels and of course learn to read a map! Over 450,000 children are currently taught orienteering as part of the National Curriculum and many of these children will go onto compete at local and national competitions, such as the British Schools Orienteering Championships.
To start orienteering all you need is a sense of adventure and a pair of comfortable shoes or trainers. Events can take place anywhere from forests and countryside to urban parks and school playgrounds. It's a great sport for people who want to improve their navigation skills or for anyone who loves the outdoors.
Permanent Orienteering Courses
A good way to get started at orienteering would be to try a local permanent orienteering course. These courses can be located in a forest, local town or country park.
Attending an Event
To experience the full excitement of orienteering you will need to attend an orienteering event, which usually take place on a Saturday or Sunday morning. Here you will find lots of experienced orienteers who will be able to help you get started and offer you lots of advice.
Further Information
For further information please visit our website or telephone 01629 734 042.
Our supporters
"I am pleased to endorse National Family Week and its aim of promoting and celebrating family life in Britain."
Gordon Brown, Former Prime Minister
"National Family Week is the perfect chance for families to make time for each other and have fun while they are doing it."
Esther Rantzen, CBE, Broadcaster, Campaigner and Chair of The Family Commission
"I really hope that National Family Week encourages people to take a moment to realize the importance of the people they have around them."
Amanda Holden, Britain's Got Talent Judge
"I look forward to taking part in National Family Week and encouraging others to do the same."
Antony Worrall Thompson, Celebrity Chef
"I think National Family Week is a great initiative that will encourage families to come together and realise how important every part of the family is."
Sir Terry Wogan, Radio and Television Broadcaster
"I am delighted to welcome National Family Week. It's full of practical ideas, and it will be great to see organisations from all sections of society join together to celebrate family life."
David Cameron, Prime Minister
"Encouraging families to get active is a subject very close to my heart, so I am thrilled and delighted to be able to show my support for National Family Week."
Sally Gunnell OBE, Olympic Gold Medalist
