From: James Waddington <blueleaf@sympatico.ca>
Date: Sun, 29 Aug 1999 19:30:34 GMT
Subject: 1999-2000 Nor-Am Ski-'O'
Message-Id: <37C998C5.34963650@sympatico.ca>
Is there a list of 1999-2000 Nor-Am Ski-O events
available on the web yet? Will there be nay major events
this winter? There was talk about a US vs Canada relay at
one time as well. Any plans?
Cheers,
Mike Waddington
From: "Ken LeBlanc" <eliteforce@home.com>
Date: Sun, 29 Aug 1999 04:14:49 GMT
Subject: Re: ONLY ADULTS 103539
Message-Id: <Zs2y3.7098$c8.34240@news1.rdc1.ab.home.com>
sssssspaaaaaaammmmm
--
check out www.musclehealth.com
For an Olympian's view of training and fitness
<975d8@dfdfws.com> wrote in message news:110899162525@dfdfws.com...
> Free XXX:
>
> http://207.240.225.250
>
>
>
> x:AF7b#o
From: Denis GIRAULT <microb@club-internet.fr>
Date: Sun, 29 Aug 1999 18:23:34 +0200
Subject: Re: Information Please
Message-Id: <37C95E86.BB47DD75@club-internet.fr>
browningjd a icrit :
>
> What dates is the French 5 - Day Orienteering event in 2000?
> Who is a good e-mail contact in Melbourne to ask about O Events and dates in that area.
French 5 -Day will takes in Lorraine (east of France) from July 9th to
July 15 th .
Event Center : METZ Car Park Saint-Symphorien
Registration :Ligue Lorraine de Course d' Orientation 5 Jours de France
Maison des Sports 13, Rue Jean Moulin 54000 NANCY France
phone number (33) 03 83 33 14 70
Web site (On progress) : http://perso.wanadoo.fr/co.lorraine/
in 2001 the French 5 days will take place near Paris (Fontainebleau)
See you soon.
********************************************************
Denis.GIRAULT@bull.net HV1 (RC Versailles 7806 IF)
********************************************************
French Orienteering is on http://www.multimania.com/dg78/co/co.htm
Join us on the french Newsgroup news:fr.rec.sport.courir
From: "Dicky" <corbettr@dircon.co.uk>
Date: Sun, 29 Aug 1999 17:13:02 +0100
Subject: Re: THE FUTURE OF ORIENTEERING AND MEDIA COVERAGE
Message-Id: <37c95cb8_1@newsread3.dircon.co.uk>
Robert Mouatt <rmouatt@ozemail.com.au> wrote in message
news:003d01bef21d$ecca3200$b2a86ccb@default...
Reversion to
> promoting orienteering mainly as a family recreation will only
> undermine efforts to promote it as an elite sport.
Of course it will, and should. Where is the published research that
conclusivly proves recruitment is dependent on the exclusive development of
elitism.
The marketing of an activity to others, outside that activity, is not
dependent on the persuance of a philosophy that espouses the cause of
absolute excellence.
A perfectly good case can be made for relative excellence which is largely
concerned with structuring oportunities for improvement down at the least
competent level.
The idea that promotion of elite concepts is more appealing to the non
participant is totally unproven and indeed a case can be made that would
show a close relationship, in the minds of the great unwashed, between
elitism, hero worship and fantasy.
If you wish to devote resources to promotional, marketing, sales activity
then it is preferable that you first do some research in order to discover
your largest market sector and the aspirations, wishes, desires or needs
that motivate them into buying just what it is you are trying to sell.
Once you have discovered that you are in a position to draw up a marketing
plan. This plan will be designed in such a way as to promote both features
and percieved associated benefits as seen from the prospective potential
individua membersl point of view.
The problem with most - but certainly not all - sporting bodies is that they
start off from a fixed position that simply put says " we know what you
need, and never mind what you want".
In other words these organisations do not know how to sell because they do
not believe they need to sell.
Perhaps an investigation into the Orienteering fraternity would soon show
that not only do they not know how to sell their
sport/recreation/hobby/intrest but have no intrest in learning how to.
Richard Corbett
I now have it.
Let's continue to let the brain lead the way.
John Charlow
Pres., Orienteering Quebec, CAN
From: Jim Huggins <jimh@softdisk.com>
Date: Sun, 29 Aug 1999 12:11:14 -0500
Subject: Re: The future of O
Message-ID: <37C969B1.88FB82D@softdisk.com>
Elizabeth,
Another Amen! Please go to
<http://www.softdisk.com/customer/jimh/jenner.htm#Challenge> to see what one
young man thinks about the sport.
Elizabeth Kotowski wrote:
> Ivan's treatise below was quite amusing but not very accurate. As Joel
> Rauschenbach pointed out earlier in the week, orienteering in the United
> States is doing fine, perhaps because we've emphasized the versatility and
> enjoyment of the sport rather than just focusing on competition. More
> juniors are taking up orienteering than every before through families of
> long-time orienteers, the Junior ROTC program, adventure racing, scouts, and
> school programs. In fact, school programs may be one of our most promising
> ways to get people interested in the sport.
<SNIP>
> As orienteers we participate in the most exciting, versatile, and personally
> satisfying sport in the world. As long as we remember that, remarks such
> as Ivan's will seem ludicrous.
>
> Liz Kotowski
> VP for Marketing and Public Relations
> US Orienteering Federation
>
> From: "Ivan O'Map" <ivanomap@yahoo.co.uk>
> Date: Thu, 26 Aug 1999 20:20:53 +0100
> Subject: The future of O
>
> Orienteering is not a proper sport. It is a mickey mouse sport in which
> 'map freaks' endeavour to keep fit by running around in muddy woods and
> bad weather.
<SNIP>
> It will then take its
> place alongside pigeon fancying, keeping ferrets, trainspotting and
> probably fox-hunting by then. You know its going to happen.
--
Jim Huggins, Prez
Ark-La-Tex Orienteering Society (ALTOS)
318-949-3601, Fax 530-327-6478
http://www.softdisk.com/customer/jimh/
"By God's grace, run the good race".
From: "Elizabeth Kotowski" <lizk@aics.net>
Date: Sun, 29 Aug 1999 12:00:57 -0400
Subject: Re: The future of O
Message-ID: <000901bef237$af5a3400$1feef4d1@default>
Ivan's treatise below was quite amusing but not very accurate. As Joel
Rauschenbach pointed out earlier in the week, orienteering in the United
States is doing fine, perhaps because we've emphasized the versatility and
enjoyment of the sport rather than just focusing on competition. More
juniors are taking up orienteering than every before through families of
long-time orienteers, the Junior ROTC program, adventure racing, scouts,
and school programs. In fact, school programs may be one of our most
promising ways to get people interested in the sport.
Promotion through local media is yielding great results too. At this
point USOF and its clubs are getting almost daily requests from reporters
for information about orienteering, leading to a sizable amount of press
over just the past few months. And considering the US has never had a
world champion except in the master's categories, that's pretty good. It
shows that orienteering is becoming a more recognized sport here, with
potentially broad appeal to people who want to participate in something
rather than sit in a stadium or watch TV.
I think orienteering will continue to grow in the US for a long time, in
part because we believe we have a great "product," a challenging and fun
physical activity with almost endless variety (different parks, terrain,
courses, formats, weather, and seasons) that can be done recreationally or
competitively by people of all ages.
I spent the past Friday with Karl Kolva from Rochester Orienteering Club,
two excellent orienteering instructors from Northfield Mountain
Environmental Education and Recreation Center, and 18 teachers who had
never tried orienteering. The amount of excitement in that room and out
on the courses told me that orienteering's growth is a long way from
peaking in the US.
I suspect some people who measure the success of orienteering see it only
in terms of how well their country is producing world-class competitors
and medals. I hope that never becomes the measure in the US. Here I hope
we will continue to measure our success by the number of people who have
fun participating in the sport and the growth of new clubs. The ability
to appreciate maps, enjoy nature, develop self-confidence, and exercise
the body and brain simultaneously are what's most important. If we are
able to produce world champions in the process, all the better.
The overemphasis on competition and the staggering number of major
international events is something I hope the IOF and the European
orienteering community will take a serious look at. It also appears that
many elite orienteers do not fully appreciate the efforts of event
organizers, federation volunteers, and sponsors. I believe all of these
things lead to a kind of burn out and cynicism that's contrary to the joy
we feel when we're running in the woods. It also results in fewer people
who are willing to help with event organization and federation
responsibilities.
As orienteers we participate in the most exciting, versatile, and
personally satisfying sport in the world. As long as we remember that,
remarks such as Ivan's will seem ludicrous.
Liz Kotowski
VP for Marketing and Public Relations
US Orienteering Federation
From: "Ivan O'Map" <ivanomap@yahoo.co.uk>
Date: Thu, 26 Aug 1999 20:20:53 +0100
Subject: The future of O
Orienteering is not a proper sport. It is a mickey mouse sport in which
'map freaks' endeavour to keep fit by running around in muddy woods and
bad weather. Some people, the 'cartographically challenged', find
map-reading difficult and the less map-reading required of them the
better. Others are quite capable of navigating their car and that's all
there is to it. Mountaineers and ramblers are quite capable of
navigating but feel no urge to run around competitively. A lot of my
non-orienteering friends find its appeal quite incomprehensible.
Orienteering is NEVER going to take off and be incredibly popular. It
is going to continue its present decline and peter out completely in
about 2030 when today's M & W40's are too old. It will then take its
place alongside pigeon fancying, keeping ferrets, trainspotting and
probably fox-hunting by then. You know its going to happen.
From: andrew_nicoll@usa.net (Andrew Nicoll)
Date: Sun, 29 Aug 1999 10:24:19 GMT
Subject: Phoenix Long O
Message-Id: <37c908eb.179388@news>
Start lists and final instructions can now be found on the Phoenix
website which is at
http://www.geocities.com/Colosseum/Track/6894/phoen99.html
Control cards and instructions were posted to participants on Saturday
morning, 28/08/99.
Andrew Nicoll, NATO
From: Jim Huggins <jimh@softdisk.com>
Date: Sun, 29 Aug 1999 08:36:09 -0500
Subject: Re: THE FUTURE OF ORIENTEERING AND MEDIA COVERAGE
Message-ID: <37C93748.1B90CA52@softdisk.com>
Robert,
Amen! Here is what I think of the sport. Hope some of the
unbelievers will try to understand the outstanding points you have
made. Good job! Keep "Running the good race".
The Body Chasing the Mind
by James Ebb Huggins, Jr.
Looking for a sport that's a challenge, and lots of fun to do?
A sport that makes you feel good after you get through?
One that makes you think? One that makes you glow?
One that gives your imagination lots of room to grow?
There is a sport that meets these needs. A sport that ALL can keep.
It's called Orienteering, and it's played in parks and forest deep.
It's a sport that makes you think, for many decisions you must make.
And if you get turned on to it, great rewards will be yours to take.
It's wholesome for the body, the mind, and the soul.
The young can participate, as well as the old.
Recreational or competitive. Either one you can pursue.
For both will make your mind and body feel much like new.
If it happens that Orienteering is the sport you select.
You'll find that the venture will help keep the gray matter erect.
The objective of the frolic is to keep the flesh from falling behind.
That's why Orienteering is designed to have the body chase the mind.
Robert Mouatt wrote:
> I have read with interest the debates regarding the future of
> orienteering and the lack of publicity for the World Orienteering
> Championships in Scotland. I have been reluctant to enter the
> fray <SNIP> Nonetheless, I cannot resist trying to counter the
> negativism that pervades the O-Net.
>
> <SNIP>
>
> Now, a word on those who advocate that we stop promoting the elite
> aspects of the sport, and concentrate on the family aspects. I
> consider that would be a totally wrong approach.
> There is ample evidence in Australia that the sports with high
> profile stars, eg swimming, tennis, cricket, golf, cricket, lead to
> greater participation by people of all ages. Reversion to
> promoting orienteering mainly as a family recreation will only
> undermine efforts to promote it as an elite sport. I consider that
> the turnaround of the fortunes of orienteering that I have
> been able to achieve in the ACT in the past three years, prove my
> point.
>
> To all those pessimists on the O-Net, please start looking at
> glasses as half-full, not half-empty and have the good grace to
> thank people for their efforts. I always try to thank those who
> have put on an event, before I leave it.
>
> Regards
>
> Bob Mouatt
> National Development Director, Orienteering Federation of
> Australia Inc
> and
> Executive Director, A.C.T. Orienteering Association Inc
> PO Box W49 WANNIASSA ACT 2903
> Mobile: +61 412 312 376 Office +612 6231 2463 Fax +612 6231
> 2128
--
Jim Huggins, Prez
Ark-La-Tex Orienteering Society (ALTOS)
318-949-3601, Fax 530-327-6478
http://www.softdisk.com/customer/jimh/
"By God's grace, run the good race".
From: "Robert Mouatt" <rmouatt@ozemail.com.au>
Date: Sun, 29 Aug 1999 22:44:31 +1000
Subject: Re: THE FUTURE OF ORIENTEERING AND MEDIA COVERAGE
Message-ID: <003d01bef21d$ecca3200$b2a86ccb@default>
I have read with interest the debates regarding the future of
orienteering and the lack of publicity for the World Orienteering
Championships in Scotland. I have been reluctant to enter the
fray as after nearly seven weeks away, attending JWOC in
Bulgaria, the WMOC in Denmark and WOC, I have a backlog that a
kangaroo could not jump over. Nonetheless, I cannot resist
trying to counter the negativism that pervades the O-Net.
QUOTE. Some people will always believe that the glass is
half-empty and never half-full. Pessimists to the end, they
perceive the future to be bleaker than the past. UNQUOTE. Piers
Akerman, Sydney Sunday Telegraph, 29 August 1999.
THE FUTURE OF ORIENTEERING
Regarding the future of orienteering, I consider it has a bright
future, provided management of the sport is prepared to keep pace
with change. All sports are evolving, and many are moving
towards what is colloquially called, "fast food sport". In his
closing address at the WMOC, Ove Gasbjerg, Pres Danish OF and
Chair, IOF Foot-O C'tee, spoke about changes in the sport, and
the importance of Park Orienteering to the sport. His focus on
Park O, was more in relation to the elite competition, but as I
said to him afterwards, it should be applied to all levels.
There is no doubt that there is a large niche market in
Australia, and I suspect world-wide, of people who just want to
undertake a 30-45 minute recreational orienteering course on an
easily navigable area, close to home. But say the zealots, "That
is not REAL orienteering". Pray tell me what is "REAL
orienteering".
Park events are easy to stage. Any visitor to Canberra from
November to March, can participate in an event on Wednesday
evenings 5.30-6,30 pm that offers around three courses, within
10-30 minutes drive from the GPO. These events are staged by one
to two people, and attract upwards of 140 participants of all
ages and abilities. The introduction of SportIdent for recording
start and finish times later this year, will reduce the workload
for
the organiser/course planner. For many of the participants, that
is the only orienteering they do each year. Some migrate to
"REAL orienteering" and that pleases the zealots.
There are issues in trying to cater for differing levels of
orienteering, but none that can't be overcome, if management and
the current orienteering community are prepared to consider them
properly. The sport will continue to grow, if we are prepared to
provide events that people will attend and that they enjoy. I
often say, "In golf you have 'come-back-again days' (when you
have a good round) and in orienteering you 'never-come-back-again
' days (when an event has so many disappointing aspects that you
never want to orienteer again).
MEDIA COVERAGE
Turning now to the vexatious issue of publicity, I wish those who
are always whinging (Australian word for those who "whine,
grumble peevishly") about the lack of media coverage, would put
some effort in trying to change the situation. It is very hard,
frustrating work. I speak from 13 years general experience and
three years of recent, dedicated work, but for the past two years
I have been publicly recognised as the most competent sports
media representative within the Australian Capital Territory
(includes Canberra).
I don't know the situation in other countries, but in Australia
(and within the ACT) there are over 150 registered sports. This
means that to get coverage, orienteering is in competition with
150 other sports for space in newspapers or time on radio and TV.
Canberra has 18 teams in national competitions and one in an
international competition, the ACT Brumbies in the Super 12 Rugby
competition, thus media coverage is not easy to get.
Many years ago, I was given very good advice by a radio
journalist/commentator, "You have to be persistent and
consistent". My assessment is that most orienteers lack the
will to be "persistent and consistent" in the face of many
setbacks. Many seldom read a paper, let alone buy one, listen to
general sporting programs on radio or watch them on television,
except to see what coverage has been given to some major event,
eg WOC, in which they have an interest. Then if there is no
coverage, they whinge their heart out at the lack of coverage.
The media is geared to report to people who take it regularly,
not once a year visitors.
Orienteering gets good coverage in Canberra, where I am based,
for a number of reasons. Firstly, I am "persistent and
consistent", and I spend a lot of time keeping my contacts
"on-side". I got good coverage of JWOC and WOC on ABC Radio in
Canberra, by sending a fax after every race and making a
follow-up phone call, in time for the results to be broadcast on
the early morning news bulletins. I did a similar thing with
Australian Associated Press in Sydney, and got reasonable
coverage in the major newspapers throughout Australia, mainly in
the results columns.
Secondly, most of Australia's top elites are based in Canberra
and their achievements make newsworthy stories.
Thirdly, in regards to TV, I engage a local freelance cameraman
(with considerable experience in working for TV stations) to film
key events (or parts of events) on Betacam (used by TV stations)
and provide the footage to the local TV stations free of charge.
I generally get very good results. The costs range from around
US$160 for an hour on the ground plus Betacam tape to US$400 for
three to four hours on the ground (depending on the travelling
time). I urge other orienteering bodies to consider this option.
I now have file footage of most of Australia's top orienteers,
except Tracy Bluett, who has not been around for events I have
filmed. I have a composite tape, featuring all top elites and
juniors, and it is very simple to provide file footage when
someone does well, eg Troy de Haas' third in Bulgaria. I am still
trying to get a reasonable level of coverage on national TV.
We have used our own footage in highly successful TV
advertisements, featuring orienteering as a "Sport for Life".
On the matter of TV coverage, we will be using freelance camera
crews to film the 2000 World Cup Short Distance (Race 3) and
second day of the Classic (Race 4) races. We will offer copies
of the footage to anybody who wants it, free of copyright charge,
including European TV channels, which would have to arrange for
transmitting the material from Australia.
Now, a word on those who advocate that we stop promoting the
elite aspects of the sport, and concentrate on the family
aspects. I consider that would be a totally wrong approach.
There is ample evidence in Australia that the sports with high
profile stars, eg swimming, tennis, cricket, golf, cricket, lead
to greater participation by people of all ages. Reversion to
promoting orienteering mainly as a family recreation will only
undermine efforts to promote it as an elite sport. I consider
that the turnaround of the fortunes of orienteering that I have
been able to achieve in the ACT in the past three years, prove my
point.
To all those pessimists on the O-Net, please start looking at
glasses as half-full, not half-empty and have the good grace to
thank people for their efforts. I always try to thank those who
have put on an event, before I leave it.
Regards
Bob Mouatt
National Development Director, Orienteering Federation of
Australia Inc
and
Executive Director, A.C.T. Orienteering Association Inc
PO Box W49 WANNIASSA ACT 2903
Mobile: +61 412 312 376 Office +612 6231 2463 Fax +612 6231
2128
From: "Ivan O'Map" <ivanomap@yahoo.co.uk>
Date: Thu, 26 Aug 1999 20:20:53 +0100
Subject: The future of O
Message-Id: <37C59395.CC6DA1E@yahoo.co.uk>
Orienteering is not a proper sport. It is a mickey mouse sport in which
'map freaks' endeavour to keep fit by running around in muddy woods and
bad weather. Some people, the 'cartographically challenged', find
map-reading difficult and the less map-reading required of them the
better. Others are quite capable of navigating their car and that's all
there is to it. Mountaineers and ramblers are quite capable of
navigating but feel no urge to run around competitively. A lot of my
non-orienteering friends find its appeal quite incomprehensible.
Orienteering is NEVER going to take off and be incredibly popular. It
is going to continue its present decline and peter out completely in
about 2030 when today's M & W40's are too old. It will then take its
place alongside pigeon fancying, keeping ferrets, trainspotting and
probably fox-hunting by then. You know its going to happen.
From: John Charlow <charlow@gowebway.com>
Date: Sun, 29 Aug 1999 15:05:43 -0400
Subject: The future of O
Message-ID: <37C98487.6A1D@gowebway.com>
I have just read the insightful posting from Liz Kotowski and I felt
compelled to remark on how much I enjoyed it. Also, the fine words of
wisdom from Robert Mouatt (AUS) and the inspiring verse of James Huggins
(ALTOS). I agree wholeheartedly, we do have a sport that will survive
us all as long as we continue to accent the positive, eliminate the
other ...and keep dispensing the word.
I had just begun to work on our Fall newsletter and was trying to decide
on a 'theme'. Thanks to the above trio, I think I now have it.
Let's continue to let the brain lead the way.
John Charlow
Pres., Orienteering Quebec, CAN
From: Jim Huggins <jimh@softdisk.com>
Date: Sun, 29 Aug 1999 12:11:14 -0500
Subject: Re: The future of O
Message-ID: <37C969B1.88FB82D@softdisk.com>
Elizabeth,
Another Amen! Please go to
<http://www.softdisk.com/customer/jimh/jenner.htm#Challenge> to see what one
young man thinks about the sport.
Elizabeth Kotowski wrote:
> Ivan's treatise below was quite amusing but not very accurate. As Joel
> Rauschenbach pointed out earlier in the week, orienteering in the United
> States is doing fine, perhaps because we've emphasized the versatility and
> enjoyment of the sport rather than just focusing on competition. More
> juniors are taking up orienteering than every before through families of
> long-time orienteers, the Junior ROTC program, adventure racing, scouts, and
> school programs. In fact, school programs may be one of our most promising
> ways to get people interested in the sport.
<SNIP>
> As orienteers we participate in the most exciting, versatile, and personally
> satisfying sport in the world. As long as we remember that, remarks such
> as Ivan's will seem ludicrous.
>
> Liz Kotowski
> VP for Marketing and Public Relations
> US Orienteering Federation
>
> From: "Ivan O'Map" <ivanomap@yahoo.co.uk>
> Date: Thu, 26 Aug 1999 20:20:53 +0100
> Subject: The future of O
>
> Orienteering is not a proper sport. It is a mickey mouse sport in which
> 'map freaks' endeavour to keep fit by running around in muddy woods and
> bad weather.
<SNIP>
> It will then take its
> place alongside pigeon fancying, keeping ferrets, trainspotting and
> probably fox-hunting by then. You know its going to happen.
--
Jim Huggins, Prez
Ark-La-Tex Orienteering Society (ALTOS)
318-949-3601, Fax 530-327-6478
http://www.softdisk.com/customer/jimh/
"By God's grace, run the good race".
From: "Elizabeth Kotowski" <lizk@aics.net>
Date: Sun, 29 Aug 1999 12:00:57 -0400
Subject: Re: The future of O
Message-ID: <000901bef237$af5a3400$1feef4d1@default>
Ivan's treatise below was quite amusing but not very accurate. As Joel
Rauschenbach pointed out earlier in the week, orienteering in the United
States is doing fine, perhaps because we've emphasized the versatility and
enjoyment of the sport rather than just focusing on competition. More
juniors are taking up orienteering than every before through families of
long-time orienteers, the Junior ROTC program, adventure racing, scouts,
and school programs. In fact, school programs may be one of our most
promising ways to get people interested in the sport.
Promotion through local media is yielding great results too. At this
point USOF and its clubs are getting almost daily requests from reporters
for information about orienteering, leading to a sizable amount of press
over just the past few months. And considering the US has never had a
world champion except in the master's categories, that's pretty good. It
shows that orienteering is becoming a more recognized sport here, with
potentially broad appeal to people who want to participate in something
rather than sit in a stadium or watch TV.
I think orienteering will continue to grow in the US for a long time, in
part because we believe we have a great "product," a challenging and fun
physical activity with almost endless variety (different parks, terrain,
courses, formats, weather, and seasons) that can be done recreationally or
competitively by people of all ages.
I spent the past Friday with Karl Kolva from Rochester Orienteering Club,
two excellent orienteering instructors from Northfield Mountain
Environmental Education and Recreation Center, and 18 teachers who had
never tried orienteering. The amount of excitement in that room and out
on the courses told me that orienteering's growth is a long way from
peaking in the US.
I suspect some people who measure the success of orienteering see it only
in terms of how well their country is producing world-class competitors
and medals. I hope that never becomes the measure in the US. Here I hope
we will continue to measure our success by the number of people who have
fun participating in the sport and the growth of new clubs. The ability
to appreciate maps, enjoy nature, develop self-confidence, and exercise
the body and brain simultaneously are what's most important. If we are
able to produce world champions in the process, all the better.
The overemphasis on competition and the staggering number of major
international events is something I hope the IOF and the European
orienteering community will take a serious look at. It also appears that
many elite orienteers do not fully appreciate the efforts of event
organizers, federation volunteers, and sponsors. I believe all of these
things lead to a kind of burn out and cynicism that's contrary to the joy
we feel when we're running in the woods. It also results in fewer people
who are willing to help with event organization and federation
responsibilities.
As orienteers we participate in the most exciting, versatile, and
personally satisfying sport in the world. As long as we remember that,
remarks such as Ivan's will seem ludicrous.
Liz Kotowski
VP for Marketing and Public Relations
US Orienteering Federation
From: "Ivan O'Map" <ivanomap@yahoo.co.uk>
Date: Thu, 26 Aug 1999 20:20:53 +0100
Subject: The future of O
Orienteering is not a proper sport. It is a mickey mouse sport in which
'map freaks' endeavour to keep fit by running around in muddy woods and
bad weather. Some people, the 'cartographically challenged', find
map-reading difficult and the less map-reading required of them the
better. Others are quite capable of navigating their car and that's all
there is to it. Mountaineers and ramblers are quite capable of
navigating but feel no urge to run around competitively. A lot of my
non-orienteering friends find its appeal quite incomprehensible.
Orienteering is NEVER going to take off and be incredibly popular. It
is going to continue its present decline and peter out completely in
about 2030 when today's M & W40's are too old. It will then take its
place alongside pigeon fancying, keeping ferrets, trainspotting and
probably fox-hunting by then. You know its going to happen.
From: andrew_nicoll@usa.net (Andrew Nicoll)
Date: Sun, 29 Aug 1999 10:24:19 GMT
Subject: Phoenix Long O
Message-Id: <37c908eb.179388@news>
Start lists and final instructions can now be found on the Phoenix
website which is at
http://www.geocities.com/Colosseum/Track/6894/phoen99.html
Control cards and instructions were posted to participants on Saturday
morning, 28/08/99.
Andrew Nicoll, NATO
From: Jim Huggins <jimh@softdisk.com>
Date: Sun, 29 Aug 1999 08:36:09 -0500
Subject: Re: THE FUTURE OF ORIENTEERING AND MEDIA COVERAGE
Message-ID: <37C93748.1B90CA52@softdisk.com>
Robert,
Amen! Here is what I think of the sport. Hope some of the
unbelievers will try to understand the outstanding points you have
made. Good job! Keep "Running the good race".
The Body Chasing the Mind
by James Ebb Huggins, Jr.
Looking for a sport that's a challenge, and lots of fun to do?
A sport that makes you feel good after you get through?
One that makes you think? One that makes you glow?
One that gives your imagination lots of room to grow?
There is a sport that meets these needs. A sport that ALL can keep.
It's called Orienteering, and it's played in parks and forest deep.
It's a sport that makes you think, for many decisions you must make.
And if you get turned on to it, great rewards will be yours to take.
It's wholesome for the body, the mind, and the soul.
The young can participate, as well as the old.
Recreational or competitive. Either one you can pursue.
For both will make your mind and body feel much like new.
If it happens that Orienteering is the sport you select.
You'll find that the venture will help keep the gray matter erect.
The objective of the frolic is to keep the flesh from falling behind.
That's why Orienteering is designed to have the body chase the mind.
Robert Mouatt wrote:
> I have read with interest the debates regarding the future of
> orienteering and the lack of publicity for the World Orienteering
> Championships in Scotland. I have been reluctant to enter the
> fray <SNIP> Nonetheless, I cannot resist trying to counter the
> negativism that pervades the O-Net.
>
> <SNIP>
>
> Now, a word on those who advocate that we stop promoting the elite
> aspects of the sport, and concentrate on the family aspects. I
> consider that would be a totally wrong approach.
> There is ample evidence in Australia that the sports with high
> profile stars, eg swimming, tennis, cricket, golf, cricket, lead to
> greater participation by people of all ages. Reversion to
> promoting orienteering mainly as a family recreation will only
> undermine efforts to promote it as an elite sport. I consider that
> the turnaround of the fortunes of orienteering that I have
> been able to achieve in the ACT in the past three years, prove my
> point.
>
> To all those pessimists on the O-Net, please start looking at
> glasses as half-full, not half-empty and have the good grace to
> thank people for their efforts. I always try to thank those who
> have put on an event, before I leave it.
>
> Regards
>
> Bob Mouatt
> National Development Director, Orienteering Federation of
> Australia Inc
> and
> Executive Director, A.C.T. Orienteering Association Inc
> PO Box W49 WANNIASSA ACT 2903
> Mobile: +61 412 312 376 Office +612 6231 2463 Fax +612 6231
> 2128
--
Jim Huggins, Prez
Ark-La-Tex Orienteering Society (ALTOS)
318-949-3601, Fax 530-327-6478
http://www.softdisk.com/customer/jimh/
"By God's grace, run the good race".
From: "Robert Mouatt" <rmouatt@ozemail.com.au>
Date: Sun, 29 Aug 1999 22:44:31 +1000
Subject: Re: THE FUTURE OF ORIENTEERING AND MEDIA COVERAGE
Message-ID: <003d01bef21d$ecca3200$b2a86ccb@default>
I have read with interest the debates regarding the future of
orienteering and the lack of publicity for the World Orienteering
Championships in Scotland. I have been reluctant to enter the
fray as after nearly seven weeks away, attending JWOC in
Bulgaria, the WMOC in Denmark and WOC, I have a backlog that a
kangaroo could not jump over. Nonetheless, I cannot resist
trying to counter the negativism that pervades the O-Net.
QUOTE. Some people will always believe that the glass is
half-empty and never half-full. Pessimists to the end, they
perceive the future to be bleaker than the past. UNQUOTE. Piers
Akerman, Sydney Sunday Telegraph, 29 August 1999.
THE FUTURE OF ORIENTEERING
Regarding the future of orienteering, I consider it has a bright
future, provided management of the sport is prepared to keep pace
with change. All sports are evolving, and many are moving
towards what is colloquially called, "fast food sport". In his
closing address at the WMOC, Ove Gasbjerg, Pres Danish OF and
Chair, IOF Foot-O C'tee, spoke about changes in the sport, and
the importance of Park Orienteering to the sport. His focus on
Park O, was more in relation to the elite competition, but as I
said to him afterwards, it should be applied to all levels.
There is no doubt that there is a large niche market in
Australia, and I suspect world-wide, of people who just want to
undertake a 30-45 minute recreational orienteering course on an
easily navigable area, close to home. But say the zealots, "That
is not REAL orienteering". Pray tell me what is "REAL
orienteering".
Park events are easy to stage. Any visitor to Canberra from
November to March, can participate in an event on Wednesday
evenings 5.30-6,30 pm that offers around three courses, within
10-30 minutes drive from the GPO. These events are staged by one
to two people, and attract upwards of 140 participants of all
ages and abilities. The introduction of SportIdent for recording
start and finish times later this year, will reduce the workload
for
the organiser/course planner. For many of the participants, that
is the only orienteering they do each year. Some migrate to
"REAL orienteering" and that pleases the zealots.
There are issues in trying to cater for differing levels of
orienteering, but none that can't be overcome, if management and
the current orienteering community are prepared to consider them
properly. The sport will continue to grow, if we are prepared to
provide events that people will attend and that they enjoy. I
often say, "In golf you have 'come-back-again days' (when you
have a good round) and in orienteering you 'never-come-back-again
' days (when an event has so many disappointing aspects that you
never want to orienteer again).
MEDIA COVERAGE
Turning now to the vexatious issue of publicity, I wish those who
are always whinging (Australian word for those who "whine,
grumble peevishly") about the lack of media coverage, would put
some effort in trying to change the situation. It is very hard,
frustrating work. I speak from 13 years general experience and
three years of recent, dedicated work, but for the past two years
I have been publicly recognised as the most competent sports
media representative within the Australian Capital Territory
(includes Canberra).
I don't know the situation in other countries, but in Australia
(and within the ACT) there are over 150 registered sports. This
means that to get coverage, orienteering is in competition with
150 other sports for space in newspapers or time on radio and TV.
Canberra has 18 teams in national competitions and one in an
international competition, the ACT Brumbies in the Super 12 Rugby
competition, thus media coverage is not easy to get.
Many years ago, I was given very good advice by a radio
journalist/commentator, "You have to be persistent and
consistent". My assessment is that most orienteers lack the
will to be "persistent and consistent" in the face of many
setbacks. Many seldom read a paper, let alone buy one, listen to
general sporting programs on radio or watch them on television,
except to see what coverage has been given to some major event,
eg WOC, in which they have an interest. Then if there is no
coverage, they whinge their heart out at the lack of coverage.
The media is geared to report to people who take it regularly,
not once a year visitors.
Orienteering gets good coverage in Canberra, where I am based,
for a number of reasons. Firstly, I am "persistent and
consistent", and I spend a lot of time keeping my contacts
"on-side". I got good coverage of JWOC and WOC on ABC Radio in
Canberra, by sending a fax after every race and making a
follow-up phone call, in time for the results to be broadcast on
the early morning news bulletins. I did a similar thing with
Australian Associated Press in Sydney, and got reasonable
coverage in the major newspapers throughout Australia, mainly in
the results columns.
Secondly, most of Australia's top elites are based in Canberra
and their achievements make newsworthy stories.
Thirdly, in regards to TV, I engage a local freelance cameraman
(with considerable experience in working for TV stations) to film
key events (or parts of events) on Betacam (used by TV stations)
and provide the footage to the local TV stations free of charge.
I generally get very good results. The costs range from around
US$160 for an hour on the ground plus Betacam tape to US$400 for
three to four hours on the ground (depending on the travelling
time). I urge other orienteering bodies to consider this option.
I now have file footage of most of Australia's top orienteers,
except Tracy Bluett, who has not been around for events I have
filmed. I have a composite tape, featuring all top elites and
juniors, and it is very simple to provide file footage when
someone does well, eg Troy de Haas' third in Bulgaria. I am still
trying to get a reasonable level of coverage on national TV.
We have used our own footage in highly successful TV
advertisements, featuring orienteering as a "Sport for Life".
On the matter of TV coverage, we will be using freelance camera
crews to film the 2000 World Cup Short Distance (Race 3) and
second day of the Classic (Race 4) races. We will offer copies
of the footage to anybody who wants it, free of copyright charge,
including European TV channels, which would have to arrange for
transmitting the material from Australia.
Now, a word on those who advocate that we stop promoting the
elite aspects of the sport, and concentrate on the family
aspects. I consider that would be a totally wrong approach.
There is ample evidence in Australia that the sports with high
profile stars, eg swimming, tennis, cricket, golf, cricket, lead
to greater participation by people of all ages. Reversion to
promoting orienteering mainly as a family recreation will only
undermine efforts to promote it as an elite sport. I consider
that the turnaround of the fortunes of orienteering that I have
been able to achieve in the ACT in the past three years, prove my
point.
To all those pessimists on the O-Net, please start looking at
glasses as half-full, not half-empty and have the good grace to
thank people for their efforts. I always try to thank those who
have put on an event, before I leave it.
Regards
Bob Mouatt
National Development Director, Orienteering Federation of
Australia Inc
and
Executive Director, A.C.T. Orienteering Association Inc
PO Box W49 WANNIASSA ACT 2903
Mobile: +61 412 312 376 Office +612 6231 2463 Fax +612 6231
2128
From: "Ivan O'Map" <ivanomap@yahoo.co.uk>
Date: Thu, 26 Aug 1999 20:20:53 +0100
Subject: The future of O
Message-Id: <37C59395.CC6DA1E@yahoo.co.uk>
Orienteering is not a proper sport. It is a mickey mouse sport in which
'map freaks' endeavour to keep fit by running around in muddy woods and
bad weather. Some people, the 'cartographically challenged', find
map-reading difficult and the less map-reading required of them the
better. Others are quite capable of navigating their car and that's all
there is to it. Mountaineers and ramblers are quite capable of
navigating but feel no urge to run around competitively. A lot of my
non-orienteering friends find its appeal quite incomprehensible.
Orienteering is NEVER going to take off and be incredibly popular. It
is going to continue its present decline and peter out completely in
about 2030 when today's M & W40's are too old. It will then take its
place alongside pigeon fancying, keeping ferrets, trainspotting and
probably fox-hunting by then. You know its going to happen.