Scottish Schools' Orienteering Festival
2016 - Friday 3rd June
Dalkeith Park, Dalkeith
Updated: 3nd June 2016
Results.
Photographs.
Crawford Lindsay's took photographs of, we think, every pupil running and of the prizegiving and other fun activities.Map of Schools.
If you wondered where all the runners came from, look at this map.Report
WHAT A GLORIOUS DAY!
No, not just the unexpected wall to wall sunshine, great though that was, but virtually every part of the 21st Scottish Schools Orienteering Festival held at Dalkeith Country Park.
There was the entry - heading towards 500 from nearly 70 schools spread across the length and breadth of Scotland. The superb organisation by ESOC, ably marshalled by Judy Bell. Judy has set a high bar for future organisers and last but not least we had some wonderful courses which gave us really competitive runs from the students with 28 schools going home with awards.
Many schools and students were repeat competitors but it was great to see several new schools including: Duloch from Dunfermline, Brodick from the Isle of Arran and Calderhead High School from Shotts along with formally strong school Linlithgow Academy returning to the competition. In the overall schools competition Gargieston Primary , Kilmarnock held on to their title, but only just, with Bun Sgoil Ghaildhlig Inbhir Nis (BSGI), the Gaelic Speaking School from Inverness and Avoch close on their heels. In the Secondary competition Banchory Academy retained the Mike Booth Trophy with George Heriot's and Fortrose in second and third.
All in all, a great day's sport, with special thanks to our main officials Judy Bell, Katy Lessells and John Biggar, computing guru Robin Strain and all of the large band of helpers from; ESOC, KFO, ELO and TINTO. A special mention also for Crawford Lindsay who reckons he managed to photograph every finisher. So if you haven't already looked ........
The date of next year's festival may be affected by the timing of the World Schools' Champs which is rumoured for early June in Italy, but we will let you know as soon as possible.
Date for the diary for all competitors born in 1999-2003 who wish to be considered for the team for Italy - the selection races will be held in Perthshire on Sunday 28 August. Details and entry information will be published here soon.
Blair Young
Chairman, SSOA
Updated layout map. There are cows in the planned car park field.
The Festival is aimed at pupils who have been introduced to orienteering through their school and the courses will be set at a level that will allow success for all pupils who have grasped the basic skills. Courses will be set for Primary 5 and upwards.
The Festival will be held on Friday 3 June with the closing date for entries being 26th May 2016.
Venue
Dalkeith Country Park, Dalkeith, EH22 2NA
Area
The Area is mainly mature woodland with some open areas. There is a very good path network.
Map
The area has been recently updated and is at a scale of 1:7500 for all courses (Corrected on 30/5/16)
Courses
These will be set from P5-S6 as shown on the entry summary sheet. The main factor about the courses is that they will be planned to provide maximum success for the participants. It is however, presumed that all participants will have had some practical experience of orienteering at School and are familiar with an orienteering map. Pupils may enter any course as a solo participant or as part of a pair. If a School wishes to enter a mixed pair these runners should be entered on the boys event.
Start/Finish
All facilities, plus parking, will be in close proximity.
Start times
Start times will be available from 10.15 am until 12.15 pm. Please note that runners from the same School, and on the same course, will start at least 4 minutes apart therefore your first start time will need to allow all your entries to begin by 12.15.
Electronic Timing
We will again be using the Sportident system of timing. Each competitor/pair will be issued with an electronic peg to use on their course at the start area. If your pupils are unfamiliar with this system let us know and we will arrange for a demonstration before your first start time.
Awards
Awards to 1st 3 individuals on each course. Team awards will be made where there are sufficient entries.
Presentations
Will be made at the end of the event as soon as final results are available.
Entry Fees
School Registration Fee of £5 to cover general administration costs and affiliation to Scottish Schools’ Orienteering Association. The entry fee is £3.00 per participant (ie £6.00/pair)
Entries
Please use the official forms that you can download below and ensure that
- You email the Entry Form with names and course to info@ssoa.org.uk
- The Summary Entry Form is signed by the Head Teacher
- Cheques are made payable to SSOA
Send your entry to:
SSOA
7 St Ninians
Lanark
ML11 7HX
Postmarked no later than 26th May 2016.
Current Trophy holders should ensure that all Individual and Team Trophies be returned before or on the day of the event.
More Information
Mr Blair Young, PE Department, Biggar High School
John’s Loan
BIGGAR
ML12 6AG
Email: byoung@biggar.s-lanark.sch.uk
Tel: 01899 222050
Fax: 01899 222051
