The International Orienteering Federation (I.O.F.) determines the date for World Orienteering Day, which is typically observed annually in May. It occurs on the first day of World Orienteering Week, typically following the World Orienteering Championships. This year, World Orienteering Day will be observed on May 10 to increase young people’s awareness of orienteering and to encourage participation and orienteering activities in schools. The International Orienteering Federation (I.O.F.) instituted this day in 2006 in an effort to increase the sport’s visibility and accessibility.
HISTORY OF WORLD ORIENTEERING DAY
Orienteering is not a widely discussed sport, and the majority of us have never even heard of it. It may even surprise you that you may have seen glimpses of it on popular television programmes such as “Survivor” or “The Amazing Race.”
Simply stated, orienteering refers to any sport that requires navigational skills while moving quickly through unfamiliar terrain with the aid of a map and compass. Depending on the rules of the game, individuals or groups may participate in the sport. The most prominent form of the sport is foot orienteering, but mountain orienteering, ski orienteering, and even bike orienteering have also been developed.
This sport with a global reputation had its humble beginnings in the military. In 1886, the Swedish Military Academy Karlberg coined the term orienteering to characterise the traversal of uncharted territory using a map and compass. It gradually evolved from a military training activity to a civilian and military competitive sport, and the invention of economical compasses in the 1930s catapulted the sport’s popularity.
In the late 1900s, 10 European nations and their respective orienteering organisations merged to establish the International Orienteering Federation (I.O.F.). After World War II, the sport spread from Europe to Asia, North America, and Oceania. Since then, the I.O.F. has established numerous other orienteering federations, allowing the national and global championships to develop.
The federation established World Orienteering Day in 2016 to raise awareness of the sport among young adults, increase the number of participants, and provide maps, orienteering exercises, and equipment to help school instructors implement the sport in a fun manner.
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5 INTERESTING FACTS ABOUT ORIENTEERING
It is not an Olympic event.
There have been efforts to add Orienteering to the Olympics since 1966, but as of today, it has not been included.
There is a flag representing it.
The international orienteering flag is diagonally divided, with orange at the bottom and white at the top.
Speed is essential
Although navigation and strategic thought are the most important aspects of orienteering, sprinting is a valuable skill to have.
Ski Orienteering was the closest Olympic sport.
Despite previous reluctance, the International Olympic Committee considered ski orienteering in 2005; however, in 2006, the committee resolved not to add any new sports.
Being composed is a crucial factor
Surveys indicate that the ability to maintain composure under duress is a successful factor in sports.
WORLD ORIENTEERING DAY DATES
| Year | Date | Day |
|---|---|---|
| 2022 | May 11 | Wednesday |
| 2023 | May 10 | Wednesday |
| 2024 | May 8 | Wednesday |
| 2025 | May 14 | Wednesday |
| 2026 | May 13 | Wednesday |
