Last events of the year

Darling Point views to Double Bay

I hope everyone can join us for the last two events of the year.

This weekend (Sunday 3rd December) IKO is organising a Southern Sydney Summer Series event at Double Bay. Organiser Margaret Duguid is promising mesmerising harbour views, and interesting streets and laneways of Potts Point and Kings Cross to explore.  Sounds like a great way to spend a summer afternoon.

On Saturday 9th December it is our club christmas party !  Come along for a laid-back afternoon of orienteering around Kiama Downs, the home territory of the Jays and the Greens.  We’ll share our great scenery and coastal views, and if the weather is good there is time for a cool off at the beach or the Minnamurra River.  Margaret and Keith are kindly hosting a Christmas dinner for the club – bring along some Christmas food for the buffet.

Full details of events on Eventor.

View of Jones Beach from the start of the Christmas event

Welcome to new club members

Welcome to new club members Chris and Tara, and their children Isaac (13), Ella (11) and Isla (7). Chris and his family joined IKO in September and live in Stanwell Tops.

The family were introduced to orienteering in 2013 by their Grandad who is a keen orienteer from the United Kingdom.  He came to visit for a month and brought the family along to one of our local events.

Please say Hi and give them a warm welcome if you see them at any of our coming events.

And while I’m here, how good do our new club flags look?  Sensational!  Much thanks to Margaret Duguid for organising these.

 

SL 10 & 11 – the WRAP

Salme shows us how its done at UOW

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

I can hear the collective sighs of relief all around now that SL 10 and 11 are over.  Sleepless nights and early mornings were all part of the experience for the organisers and course setters. Great organisation by Keith, David and Kev, and great course setting by Natalya, Vicki and Simon.  There were some lessons learned with some people saying the State League courses were too easy at Cataract, while the easy courses could perhaps have been a little easier.  On Sunday Simon thought his sprint courses were maybe a little long, but it was such a great venue and everyone enjoyed the day that I don’t think anyone noticed!

On Saturday at Cataract we hosted 126 competitors in the State League event (including 8 EODs) and 121 children in the Schools Champs.

On Sunday we had 138 competitors in State League (including 15 EODs) and 113 children in the School Champs.

There were more than 70 different schools represented in the Schools Championships. Greenwich Public School took the honour of Champion primary school, while a continuing strong presence saw Knox Grammar once again take out Champion secondary school.

Channel 9 News turned up to the University around midday on Sunday to interview Ian Jessup and three of the children. All the kids spoke very well about the weekend and what they like about orienteering – what a great experience for them all!  Ian, our media guru, did a much better job than any of us could at selling the sport. If you live in the Illawarra be sure to keep an eye out tonight at 6pm on Channel 9.

Ian Jessup explains the sport of orienteering to Channel 9 cameraman

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

There were lots of positive comments about the new Wollongong Uni map, and the vibe in the grassy glade where we all assembled was very happy and relaxed.  Easy access to coffee and good food was a definite bonus!

For photos from the weekend see our new Photo Gallery page where you will find an edited down version of those already posted to Facebook.

Ken did a great job of keeping the starters under control

State League 10/11 and Schools Championships

Its not long to go now until our biggest event of the year which features the lovely bushland setting at Cataract Scout Camp, and what promises to be some fun and challenging sprints through the University of Wollongong campus.

Get your entries in NOW because entries for both events close on Monday 14th August.

School age children need to enter via TryBooking
https://www.trybooking.com/book/event?eid=279242     Everyone else can enter via Eventor.

IKO club members are welcome to participate and are being offered free entry in return for assistance on the day.

For those coming from Sydney or other regional areas please COME and STAY !  Not at our place, sorry, but Destination Wollongong are sponsoring this event so please take the opportunity to see what Wollongong has to offer. For information see Visit Wollongong or call 1800 240 737.  Special accommodation deals for the weekend can be booked HERE.

Enjoy the weekend!