Online Resource For Orienteering Enthusiasts In Swansea

Jan. 12, 2010 - PRLog -- When the weather finally improves there is good news for avid fans of orienteering as existing courses in Swansea are now available online.  

In a move to make orienteering more accessible and encourage more people to take up the sport Swansea Council’s Parks Development team, in conjunction with Swansea Bay Orienteering Club, has produced an online resource containing course maps which are available to download .  These can be freely downloaded and printed off for anyone to use and enjoy.

Orienteering can be described as a cross-country race where people use a map and compass to find their way through unfamiliar territory.  The Swansea Bay Orienteering Club numbers about 100 members but organisers are keen to recruit new members.  

Dave Mitchell has been a member for over 20 years and has introduced his sons, Ben and Sam, to the sport.

Dave said, "Orienteering is a challenging sport that really makes you think on your feet.  It is suitable for all ages and abilities and is a great way to keep fit.  It is also a great way of seeing parts of the countryside that many people don’t get to see.”

"We are always looking to attract new members to the club and would urge anyone interested to get in touch.”

Following on from the introduction and popularity of the existing permanent courses in Swansea, 6 more permanent orienteering courses are to follow later this year.  These will be in parks across Swansea including Brynmill Park, Coedbach Park, Coed Gwilym Park, Heol Las Park, Cwmdonkin Park and Castle Woods.  

Swansea Council development and outreach manager, Ian Beynon, said: "Swansea has an abundance of beautiful parks and open spaces all offering their own unique reasons to visit.  It is great that orienteering has really taken off and that it gives people another incentive to visit their local park, whilst taking part in an enjoyable physical activity.”

To download the maps or for more information about orienteering in Swansea please visit www.swansea.gov.uk/orienteering

Organisers of groups wishing to obtain the letters corresponding to the numbers of the controls at each site can do so by emailing map@sboc.org.uk.

Introductory events in the areas are planned on Wednesday evenings 7, 14, 21, 28 April and 5 May 2010.  Further details will be made nearer the time on the club’s website www.sboc.org.uk

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