ASSIGINACK—Throughout the last week in July, several residents of Manitoulin were learning to become certified orienteering coaches and officials. Under the expert guidance of the instructor Jeff Teutsch they ran various drills, learned mapping, compass work and how to set up and run an orienteering event.
Mr. Teutsch is well known in the Canadian orienteering community, having been on the Canadian Orienteering team and representing Canada for 10 years taking him all over the globe and since as an organizer, map maker, and coach with the National Team. Now, as an orienteering instructor, and thanks to the Ontario Sport and Recreation Community Fund grant, Assiginack has the good fortune of having him train local participants.
There will be a public event on August 1 at McLeans Park with a start time of 6:30 pm. For those wanting to learn more about it and have a good time, please come out. Bring the family, a friend or come by yourself. Wear good hiking shoes and bring a water bottle. If you are feeling adventurous and want to try one of the more advanced courses consider wearing long pants as you will be going off trail in the woods.
Over the past two years, thanks to various grants students from all elementary schools have been to McLeans Park hiking the trails. This fall, each school will once again be invited to attend a real orienteering event. Kids love the excitement of reading the map and discovering the flags!
This event on August 1 will give everyone the chance to participate in an official orienteering event and face the challenge of reading the map, finding the flag and racing back once all the flags are found! Orienteering is fun as it combines physical activity with mental aptitude to figure out where the flags are located by reading the map. It is often a surprise to see who comes back first. As with all events in Assiginack, it is the fun of participating that counts.
We look forward to seeing you August 1 at McLeans Park. The park is located off of Hwy 6 south of Manitowaning down New England Road.
