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Happy Holidays & A Look Back at 2024

12/23/2024

 
Orienteering News from across Alberta
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Message from the AOA President


Hello Alberta orienteers,

I realize that many of you will be thinking more of the upcoming holiday season, and winter activities than of orienteering.  But I wanted to let you know of what I consider to be highlights and key developments for Alberta orienteering in 2024. 
One of the best accomplishments this year, which the AOA Executive Director, Bogi Gyorfi, will likely mention, are the thousands (literally!) of children that participated in orienteering this year, thanks to the effort of EOOC, FWOC, and, the AOA.  These efforts were in part supported by a grant from the Alberta government, the ‘Every Kid Can Play’ initiative, which Bogi was successful in obtaining again for the coming year.  
What also supports the school and junior programs are the funds the AOA receives by our members volunteering at casinos.  The AOA casino alternates between Calgary and Edmonton, and this time it was the Edmonton orienteers turn.  Thank you to all of you who braved the less-than-ideal driving conditions earlier this month to stand your shifts.  Not only do these funds help the various junior and school programs, but also help support the creation or updating of (as the case may be) our forest maps.  This has been especially key this year, and for next, because of the upcoming Canadian Orienteering Festival 2025 (COF25).  Calgary orienteers will be hosting the Western Canadian Championship (August 15-18), and Edmonton orienteers the Canadian Championship (August 22-24).  New maps are being created for both events, and will be a legacy for the local clubs to use for years to come.  
For over a year volunteers have been busy with the planning for COF25, from creating the orienteering courses, directing the mapping, planning logistics, running t-shirt design contests, testing the courses (in the heat of summer and bitter cold of November), planning the IT and software needs for the events, working with land owners to obtain permissions, and so on, and so on.  It is a huge and complex effort, especially as two of the races will be World Ranking Events, for which the International Orienteering Federation has stringent requirements.  Hundreds of volunteer hours have already been put in, and even more will be needed, especially as we get closer to the event  - so stay tuned for calls for volunteers. □  Many of the roles do not require an expertise in orienteering, so keep August 2025 in mind if you will be looking for something to do! 
And speaking of volunteers, while the AOA recognises key event officials and club organizers, some of who put in many hundreds of hours, including hundreds of kilometres of travelling to sites and walking through forests and over plains to design orienteering courses, there are so many of you who lend a hand, whether offering to pick up controls on a Wednesday night or register participants or mark them in as they finish, hand out maps to school kids, and more – all of which are so welcome to your fellow club member / volunteer who planned and put on the courses.  Thank you, to you all!  
All of you have my sincere wish for a safe and happy holiday season, and I hope to see you again on the trails in 2025. Map and compass in hand.

Sincerely,
Kim Kasperski
President, Alberta Orienteering Association

Thank You Volunteers!


A big thank you!
To all our amazing volunteers, your dedication and hard work are the backbone of our orienteering events. Thank you for not only volunteering but for building a welcoming and supportive community. You're the heroes behind the scenes, and we deeply appreciate all that you do. From casino shifts to program coaching, events, and board meetings, every effort contributes to our success. Our gratitude extends to everyone involved—not just those named but all who support orienteering. 
(AOA has an official criteria for which we give special thanks each year.)
The AOA volunteer recognition criteria 
  • AOA board  members 
  •  Auditor of AOA                              
  • Orienteering Club’s presidents                                
  • Canada Cup (A Meet) main organizers                            
  • Forest event (B-Meet) main organizers     
  •  Someone who has done something especially significant for AOA (e.g. OC board involvement, special committees).



















 

AOA Event Highlights: Celebrating Our Achievements


FWOC/ AOA training camp 
      

Alberta Training Camp organized by Foothills Orienteering (FWOC) was an incredible experience! Participants enjoyed challenging terrain, fantastic courses and activities, stunning views, fun group camping, and perfect weather. A huge thank-you goes out to our amazing volunteers: main organizer, event planner and coach Marsha, activity planner and coach Finley and Kitty, and race planner, Teresa.

AOC 2024 - Alberta Orienteering Championship 
Contribution of FWOC newsletter:
"Alberta celebrated its 50th anniversary in grand style with a classic combined event on the Sandy McNabb map at the 2024 Alberta Orienteering Championships. The AOCs were a resounding success, thanks to the incredible combination of stellar terrain, stunning views, and the warm camaraderie of the orienteering community. Held in some of the most beautiful wilderness Alberta has to offer, the event featured courses that took full advantage of the landscape, challenging both seasoned veterans and newcomers alike.  
It wasn’t just the orienteering that stood out this year. One of the highlights of the weekend was our group campsite, which turned out to be the perfect base camp for the event. Nestled among the trees, it provided an ideal spot to relax after each day's race, share stories, and enjoy the spectacular surroundings.
And of course, we can’t talk about this year’s AOCs without mentioning Bogi’s legendary BBQ. As usual, she knocked it out of the park, cooking up a feast that drew everyone together. People lingered long after the meal, enjoying each other's company well into the evening. There’s just something about Bogi’s BBQ that creates a sense of community and
connection—it’s a highlight everyone looks forward to year after year."
Look at the RETO GEAR!

AOA Outreach - Impressive participation growth 

This year, AOA-managed programs engaged 5,044 participants across several initiatives. The AOA residency high school program led the way with 2,643 participants, followed by the EKCP
Grant program, which reached 1,453 participants. Other highlights include the Red Deer Community programs with 320 participants. We are very thankful to our outreach coaches, Lisa and Karen, who support our programs without a club behind them. Additional programs included the Participation Grant programs (323), the Airdrie youth program (204), and the Calgary TRY IT programs (101).
Did you know that seven years ago there was no AOA lead outreach participation? We are proud of our progress and growth in the past few years and hope to continue with this trend.

Pathfinders Every Kid Can Play (EKCP) Program Grant

A True Collaboration Success: $57,500 Granted to Support Orienteering Programs in Alberta
 

A huge THANK YOU to the Government of Alberta and the Every Kid Can Play grant we received, which helped us to provide these amazing programs! With FWOC/SOGO and EOOC/KRW support, and AOA Red Deer & Airdrie outreach, nearly 6,000 participants across Alberta had the chance to connect with nature, build skills, and enjoy the outdoors through 30 programs, 14 schools, and 9 communities through trying orienteering.
We are so excited to receive next year's support to continue the work we've started with our clubs and partners.
Together, we're making outdoor recreation accessible for so many kids. Thank you to the clubs EOOC (Dorothy), SOGO at school (Tiffany, Kim, and Josephina), and the Red Deer coaches (Lisa and Karen) for making this year such a success!
 
 

Celebrating our athletes and outstanding results from Albertans

 

Albertans were highly active in 2024, attending not only local events but also major ones like the Canadian Championships, North American Championships, and Westerns. We know how much work goes into these events, and nothing is more rewarding for the organizers than seeing participants from across Canada. Congratulations to everyone who made the trip and supported the Canadian orienteering community this year.

Athletes Highlight
 
Below are some stories from our Team Canada and Junior Athletes.
We are so proud of you and excited to follow your successes next year!
We will continue to provide the AOA grants to support these young athletes, enabling them to attend competitions where they represent Canada and Alberta.
Andrew McLaren

This year marked my first year properly in the M21 class. While I have been running up to M21 in previous years, this was finally the time when I no longer had a choice thus it did not have much of an impact on me aside from the major championship races where I had been running my age class. Given that I was no longer eligible for JWOC and that I didn't have too much of an interest in a sprint WOC or a WUOC without a long I decided to set NAOC as my main races of the season with the COCs the weekend before as also high priority. While I didn't get any medals, I came home with 3 IOF diplomas and felt that I was very consistent across all my races, which I'm quite happy about given that this was 7 races across 9 days and I did not have any substantial blowups. Two highlights of my results from that week were making the knockout sprint final and being a part of the Canadian podium sweep at the NAOC middle. Going forward I want to continue to work on developing my forest speed, as well as maintaining focus at these higher speeds, especially during longer races which I hope will lead me to better results wherever I go in 2025.

Robyn Astrige

This summer I was fortunate enough to get the opportunity to compete at JWOC 2024 in Pilsen, sprint WOC 2024 in Edinburgh, and NAOC 2024 in Ontario.
Preparation for my summer of racing began in earnest with the spring running season, where I raced some road races and put together a solid running build, peaking for the end of June. Throughout the spring and early summer, my training partners and I in Vancouver did a lot of sprint-specific training (set by New Zealand elite Gene Beveridge, who was in Vancouver for the last two years), including intervals, line-o’s, race simulations, barrier trainings, and planning ahead exercises. Towards the end of May, a group of four of us from Vancouver went on a week-long training camp in interior British Columbia and Whistler, visiting nine maps in six days, from Kelowna, to Kamloops, to Whistler. We topped off the week with some racing at Sage Stomp in Salmon Arm on the first weekend of June.
I was back in Calgary, Alberta for two short weeks before beginning my month-long trip to Europe in mid-June.
First stop: Amsterdam for a few days to visit family. Then, a quick flight to Oslo to stay with Team Canada teammate Vegard Jarvis Westergard and race at O-Festivallen in Lillehammer. It was an eye-opening experience to finally race in Scandinavia and I cannot wait to get the chance to do it again.

Gavan Winn
This year I turned 18, finished high school, and am currently studying chemistry at the University of Calgary and an avid orienteer. This season my highlights were definitely the COCs/NAOCs in Ontario and the WCOCs in Manitoba. The WCOCs in Manitoba started off very well as I finished first in my category (though I was the only person competing in my category) and fourth on my course in the sprint and third on my course in the middle. The long started off well but about halfway through I really crashed and slowed down a lot. I managed to keep my navigation tight and picked good route choices but I couldn't really run so I lost a lot of time. That being said it was the longest course I’ve ever done and I think I did well all things considered. The highlight of my season was definitely the COCs and the NAOCs in Ontario which went pretty well. I got third and fifth in the middle and long respectively which I was racing in U16 for and for the rest of the races I decided to race in U20 to get some more experience running harder courses. The sprint didn't go as well as most of my other races because I made quite a big mistake on one control in a multi-level area but I managed to get fourth. After that was the club relay where our FWOC team won our category and my race went pretty well. Then after that I had definitely my best race of the season which was the knockout sprints. I qualified in 6th place in my qualifier (there were 3 different qualifiers with 12 people qualifying from each) and finished 3rd in my quarter-final which put me in the semis and in the top 18 overall I finished 5th in my semi so I didn't make it to the finals but I did a lot better than I expected. The last 2 races were the middle and long for the NAOCs and I finished 3rd and 5th respectively on some of the most challenging courses I have ever raced. Overall I had an amazing season this year and I’m super excited to keep training for some even bigger races next season!

Grace Mahoney

This year was my first IOF ranking event, and I had such a great time! The North American Championships were in Ontario this year, in Kingston and Calabogie. My favourite race at this event (and best result) was without a doubt the sprint race at the Kingston Penitentiary, which was such an awesome experience! The course took us inside the grounds of the penitentiary, and was absolutely the coolest map I’ve ever run on. I came second in this race, which was my best result of the week! I also had a super cool opportunity to race in the National Team youth relay, which was my first ever orienteering relay (during which Canada totally crushed the US). Aside from the races, camping with everyone was also so much fun! There were some intense gaga ball games, swimming, and training camp activities that were super great, especially because everyone is super close. In October, I also got to head to Scranton, Pennsylvania for USA Nationals, where I had one solid sprint race, and a couple questionable forest races. It was so nice to see everyone again, especially some of the American orienteerers I met over the summer! Following these (mostly) successful races, I am super excited for next season, and hopefully racing in a couple more big events!

On the radar for next year, save the date...




Did you know that both clubs are working tirelessly to put on next year Canadian and Western Canadian Orienteering Championships? It will be a very exciting and busy time. Join us as a participant or volunteer to be part of this fun festival. 
Enjoy 9 days of thrilling competitive orienteering races, including the Canadian Orienteering Championships, Western Canadian Orienteering Championships, and World Ranking Events. For more details check out the website. Planning to open registration mid-January!
COF 2025 Website

□ Announcing Our T-Shirt Design Contest Winner! □
We are thrilled to announce the winner of our T-shirt design contest! After much anticipation, the votes are in and the chosen design is the stunning Rainbow Beaver Dam, created by the incredibly talented Amanda Edmunds! Amanda has won a fantastic package for the Canadian Orienteering Festival 2025.
 

Have a wonderful holiday season & see you back orienteering soon!


Copyright ©  AOA.  All rights reserved.


Our mailing address is:
Alberta Orienteering Association
Box 1576 Cochrane, Alberta
T4C 1B5 Canada

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2024 March Newsletter

3/20/2024

 
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AOA News and Events
AOA Facebook AOA Facebook
AOA Website AOA Website
AOA Instagram AOA Instagram
  1. AOA President's Message
  2. 2024 AOA AGM - April 4 
  3. Alberta's 2024 Inductees to Orienteering Canada's Hall of Fame!
  4. AOA 50th Anniversary!
  5. Orienteering Canada Hall of Fame Inductees!
  6. FWOC / AOA 2024 Training Camp
  7. Red Deer Events (BG)
  8. 2024 AOCs @ Sandy McNabb
  9. Every Kid Can Play Grant
  10. Kids Programs (BG)
  11. Orienteering Symbol Updates from IOF 

Hello Alberta orienteers,

I hope this newsletter finds you happy, healthy, and chomping at the bit to get out and enjoy some spring-time orienteering. But, if you are like me, and feeling dragged down by winter, I am still looking to spring, and orienteering, to help me out of these doldrums.

As we did last year, your AOA board met in Red Deer in February to determine the priorities and budget for the 2024 season, to meet the objectives we have as the provincial orienteering association. A couple of key priorities we chose were, one, to increase the public profile of orienteering and toward this end we are hoping to try some new ideas this year. Another priority is to more directly help the two clubs in
Alberta, EOOC and FWOC, with financial support for their club initiatives. By the way, if you would like to help set priorities for provincial orienteering, we would welcome any of you who would like to join the AOA board, especially at the upcoming annual general meeting (the notice was sent to all current members; date is Thursday, April 4th, at 6:30 p.m. Pre-registration is required so that you can get the
Zoom call invitation).

Planning for the 2025 Canadian Championships being put on by EOOC, and the Western Canadian Championships being organised by Foothills Orienteering (FWOC) is gathering speed, with a number of planning meetings already having been held, especially with landholders and users, in order to obtain permissions to use the areas we want. Fingers crossed things go well, but with at least plan B’s, and sometimes plan C’s in place, we hope to be able to manage the curve balls we know we will get. And, while it may seem like a non-sequitur, stay tuned for the new air quality policy the AOA is developing, in consultation with the clubs, that could have an impact on events in coming seasons. 

So, welcome to spring 2024 and I hope you will come out and try some orienteering courses that your fellow orienteers have so faithfully created for your enjoyment!

Sincerely,
Kim Kasperski
President, Alberta Orienteering Association

Save the date:
 Alberta Orienteering Association 
AGM


April 4, 2024 @ 6:30pm

 Zoom meeting

Please register below to receive an email with the Zoom link. The link will be also posted on our website just before the event starts.
All participants at the AOA AGM will be entered to win a door prize!  It's a win-win situation!  

Register for the AOA AGM here

Alberta's 2024 Inductees to
Orienteering Canada's Hall of Fame


The Orienteering Canada Hall of Fame recognizes and honours the individuals who have made exceptional contributions to the sport in Canada. Alberta had an amazing four members inducted this year!

Coaching Leadership:
  • Clarence Kort (Foothills Orienteering Club)
  • Dorothy Penner (Edmonton Overlanders Orienteering Club)
  • Gabrielle Savard (Foothills Orienteering Club)
    

Administrator Award of Distinction:
  • Marsha Fehr (Foothills Orienteering Club)
Congratulations and thank you! to these amazing orienteers who help keep the sport of orienteering available and engaging for its participants.

Celebrating 
Alberta Orienteering Association's
50th Anniversary!

The AOA was founded in 1974 so we are celebrating our 50th anniversary! 

Thank you to the amazing people who brought orienteering to Alberta, some of whom are still active in our communities. Early promoters of the sport include Orson Gadowsky (Edmonton) and Lyndon Nordean (Calgary) according to details in Orienteering Canada's newsletters from 1976 & 77. Other early members include George Murphy (EOOC), Scott and Raelene Robertson (Calgary Kangaroos), and Ed Lowen and Jim Webster (FWOC).
Check out this article about orienteering in Alberta from the 1979 Orienteering Canada Newsletter:

FWOC / AOA 2024 Training Camp

 

Foothills Wanderers Orienteering Club (FWOC) and the AOA are hosting a 2-day training camp near Barrier Lake using the fantastic Lusk Creek map and intriguing terrain from the 2022 Western Canadian Championships. Enjoy two days of coached training activities and spend some social time with fellow orienteers from across Alberta in the group camping option. Get in some challenging forest orienteering in advance of the 2024 COCs and NAOCs!

  • Date: July 5-7, 2024
  • Details still being finalized.
  • The group campground on-site has been booked!
  • Registration opens soon.

2024 Alberta Orienteering Championships (AOC)
AOA 50th-anniversary celebration


Where: Sandy McNabb
When: August 23-25, 2024
What: Classic two-day cumulative race competition + a fun 1980's style evening event!

Join us as we celebrate the  AOA's 50th anniversary with a traditional class race (cumulative results) at one of our oldest maps - first mapped in 1982 by FWOC's own Don Bayly! Awesome prizes to be one and fun times to be enjoyed.  The group campground at Sandy McNabb is booked for the weekend.  Make the AOCs a part of your summer adventures!
 

Outreach and EKCP grant

Exciting news alert! We're thrilled to announce that we've been awarded The Every Kid Can Play, Alberta Government grant for Provincial scope organizations! This grant is a game-changer, addressing affordability and accessibility challenges for sport, physical activity, and recreation programs.This new program will help remove barriers for Alberta families and make kids’ sports and recreational activities more accessible and affordable.We received support for three projects in three different communities!
Each project receives $10,000
Red Deer with AOA delivery
Calgary – FWOC delivery
Edmonton – EOOC delivery

Exciting opportunities to reach out to new communities and reachhing more kids!
Nice work, Bogi, and the Clubs for working on this collaboration project.





AIRDRIE: NEW! Adult group added!
Registration for the Airdrie program is officially open!  Don't miss out – sign up now!
This year, we're excited to introduce a dedicated group for adults, so everyone can join in on the fun!  Parents, come explore the excitement of orienteering while your kids have a blast.
 It's an adventure for the whole family! 


RED DEER: GREAT NEWS!
We've secured our fantastic, seasoned program leaders (Lisa and Karen) to keep the Red Deer programs going strong! This year we can add school programs too!
Stay tuned for the official schedule – it's coming your way soon!

    Club Programs & Events 


    Check out the Clubs' Youth Programs and TRY IT opportunities coming this spring.
    Both clubs are gearing up to offer beginner courses, equipping you with more navigational skills just in time for the season start! Don't miss out on this opportunity to kickstart your orienteering journey with confidence.
    SOGO programs in Calgary and the KRW programs in Edmonton opened registration for the spring and they offering SUMMER CAMPS!

    Did you know that you can see most of the events planned for 2024 on our webpage: Events?

     
    Edmonton events: EOOC Club's website
    Calgary eventsFWOC Calendar
    Outreach events: Red Deer and Airdrie 

     
    New to orienteering and want to learn more?

    Both clubs are gearing up to offer beginner courses, equipping you with top-notch navigational skills just in time for the season start! 
    Don't miss out on this opportunity to kickstart your orienteering journey with confidence.

    Orienteering Symbol Updates


    The IOF (International Orienteering Federation) has updated its map symbol set. You can expect so see some map changes over the ext year to accommodate these new symbols.  OCAD has create a chart to point out the kew changes for regular maps:
    There are also changes to the sprint map symbol set.  These changes may be in place for events such as the Canadians and North Americans in Ontario this year!
    Area with obstacles could include areas that have multiple planters too numerous to map individually.


      We hope to see you soon!


      Copyright ©  AOA.  All rights reserved.


      Our mailing address is:
      Alberta Orienteering Association
      Box 1576 Cochrane, Alberta
      T4C 1B5 Canada


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      2023 Summer Newsletter

      8/4/2023

       
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      AOA News and Events
      AOA Facebook AOA Facebook
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      Greetings Alberta Orienteers,


      We hope you are all enjoying a fantastic summer filled with orienteering adventures. The season offers numerous opportunities to explore amazing events and have a blast with your compass and maps. 
      We'd like to share some event reports with you. In case you missed any of them,  you can still catch up and read all about them.
      Keep the spirit of orienteering alive and have a nice rest of the summer!





      Canadians at the Scottish 6 Days.  Kids from age 4 and up to folks in their eighties competed from AB.
       

      Join us!

       Alberta Orienteering Championships
      AOC 2023


       Date to be confirmed for late September/October. Hosted by EOOC in Redwater Natural Area near Edmonton. A  fun adventure and free AOA-sponsored BBQ awaits all levels from beginners to elites! Stay tuned for updates and registration details. Don't miss it!

       Kids Run Wild Wins Best Children's Outdoor Program 2023 Award


      We are proud to share that Kids Run Wild has been awarded the prestigious Best Children's Outdoor Pursuits & Fitness Programme 2023 - Western Canada by Acquisition International. This recognition is a testament to the EOOC club's passion and dedication to orienteering. Special thanks to coach Dorothy P, amazing volunteers like Peter G, and all the supporting families.
      We look forward to seeing the program's positive impact as KRW nurtures children's love for outdoor pursuits and fitness to continue.



      Missed these events? Read on why it was fun....

       
      Western Canadian Training Camp

      One of the best training camp locations found!
      It took place in Cranbrook, BC, in May and was well attended by 50 people. Eager learners from all clubs in Alberta and BC, as well as from Ontario and Montana. We had 5 coaches (Kitty, Marsha, Magali, Finley, and Bogi) and course planners Andree and Eileen from KOC. Also, we had some great help from Magnus J planning some great activities from Norway. Accommodation at the College of the Rockies was excellent; single rooms with a kitchen to share! We heard many requesting to go back there annually. 


       

       

       Unlocking Challenges @ Western Spring Training Camp
      When I was young, I said to my mom at the dinner table “maybe there’s a challenge inside you need to unlock”.  The details behind why I said this isn’t relevant.  What is relevant is that this statement has become a powerful mantra for me and my family.  
      There were a good number of challenges I was able to unlock  at the Western Spring Training Camp. I walked away from the camp more confident in my ability to use my compass and more knowledgeable of map contours and symbols. I also unlocked a fear of being on my own in a forest during a route choice activity. Last but not least, I got quite comfortable being lost knowing that “I am not really lost, I am just bewildered” (as they called it at camp).
      What my mom and I loved most about our time in Cranbrook was feeling a part of a community.  The sport of orienteering feels small until you participate in events, like this camp. There is nothing better than like-minded people coming together to share a passion for something important in their lives. The organizers, coaches, and other participants made us feel welcome and we both walked away with not only new skills, but new friends too. I left the three day camp feeling connected, inspired and more confident than ever that orienteering is my sport.  If you are a teen interest in trying orienteering, come join me for some upcoming events!
      By Gabriel S, age 14

      Missed these events? Read on why it was fun....

      Blackfoot Score-O Recap
      EOOC hosted the Blackfoot Score-O on May 28.  There were three options for time: 1, 3 and 6 hours!  Interestingly the event was held on a new map some of which had not been field checked, so participants had their work cut out for them if they chose to venture there!  Another interesting feature was the combination of regular SI controls and maprun controls (no si, sometimes flags, ribbons or nothing!) Three orienteers braved the 6 hours of cruelling navigation.  Wise participants went after the regular controls in mapped terrain, but some of us more adventurous types (needless to say less-wise?) decided to go for the big score controls in the green terrain with only ribbons or the maprun beep to tell us were at the control!  We found the controls we went after ... as well as more spanworm caterpillars than we care to recall. We had to de-caterpillar after leaving the forest!
      Thanks to the amazing volunteers who put on this event!
      by: Marsha F

      2023 Run the Wild
      FWOC's much-loved navigation race returned to the picturesque location of Sandy McNabb after a decade, and it was nothing short of spectacular! Sheep Valley boasts vast, untamed landscapes with rolling hills and a trail system that can either guide you or leave you bewildered, testing your navigation skills to the core. The event featured a Rogaine-style score-O, a trail run component, and some exciting secret bonuses, courtesy of the amazing Run the Wild team.
      Designed to cater to both beginners and seasoned orienteers, this 6-hour challenge allows you to create a route that perfectly aligns with your skills, fitness, and mood. It's all about having a blast and pushing the boundaries with your team.

       


      Blackfoot map

      2023 Western Canadian Orienteering Championships 
      Thank you to Sage Orienteering for some amazing races!  Participants came off both Middle and Long events feeling they had given it their all and had fun while they did it! Congratulations to all the participants and podium finishers!  Alberta showed off their competitive side, taking the podium in several classes in both events. (Fwoc submitted results listed.) In the Middle event: Andrew (2nd M21E), Ewan (1st Western Canadian M20), Gavan (1st M18), Finley (3rd Western Canadian M35), Tim (3rd M45), Teresa (1st Western Canadian F45), Christin (2nd F65) In the Long event, Robyn (3rd F21E), Gavan (1st M18), Alexandru (1st M10), Finley (2nd Western Canadian M35), Tim (2nd M45), Don B (3rd Western Canadian M65), Izabela ( 2nd Western Canadian F10), Teresa (2nd F45), and Christin (1st F65).


      FWOC at Westerns

       

      A glimpse of Team Canada Athletes' summer


      Robyn and Andrew, have been chosen as members of the National Junior Team Canada Program. We are so proud to see these young and skilled FWOC athletes representing Canada at various international events. Their passion for orienteering shines brightly, and we wish them the best of luck in their endeavours. Go Team Canada!
      Robyn's summer updates
      Earlier this season I started off with the FWOC spring training camp, and shortly after raced WCOCs. At the end of June, I made a short trip to Eastern Washington for the Spokane 4 Days, where I participated in the Pig War. This weekend was NAOCs in Truckee, California. I had a strong sprint (where unfortunately I mispunched), and consequently had a rough time on the middle and the long, but recovered enough to run a mostly clean 2nd leg for the senior women’s relay team on the last day. Up next is COCs, where I’m looking forward to racing in the senior category, and hopefully end the summer on a high note.
      Submitted by Robyn A

      Andrew's summer updates
      My bigger events started out with WCOCs in the dense and technical forests of Kelowna where I got to experience some of the coolest terrain I have ever run in, as well as the least amount of deadfall I have seen anywhere in North America. Shortly after I headed off for Europe and stopped by the Hungarian Middle Champs on my way to JWOC (Junior World Orienteering Championships) for a little training and to see what these European forests are all about. The races were fun but jet lag and the new terrain prevented me from making it into the A-final so I had to settle for first place in the B-final. Following that I did a bit of traveling around Croatia and then headed over to Romania for JWOC. My results at JWOC weren't great (about middle of the pack), but it was still a great time participating in such a high-level competition as well as talking to people from all over the world. Then after more traveling around, I made my way down to California to meet up with the Canadian team to do a bit of training around Tahoe to acclimatize to the terrain and elevation. Seemingly this paid off as I got gold in all my races in M20E. Additionally, I would have placed second in the M21E sprint since they were on the same course (just 13 seconds away from qualifying for the automatic spot at WOC next year in Edinburgh). Next up I have O-fest and COCs in Quebec in which I will be running up to M21E. Given my recent results at NAOC I am hopeful that I can come home with a medal or two but we'll just have to wait and see.
      Submitted by Andrew Mc.


       


      New Outreach opportunities


      Red Deer Community Events
      Upcoming 
      5. July 31st - Bower Ponds
      6. August date TBD- Barrett Park
      7. September 13 - RDP
      8. September 27 - Bower Pond
      9. October 4- Kin Canyon
      10. October 18 - Heritage Ranch


      Crowsnest Pass Permanent Courses:
      We set up three permanent orienteering courses at Pass Powderkeg, which you will be able to try on your own time.

      Strathcona Wilderness Center Permanent Courses:
      EOOC created some fun courses for Strathcona Wilderness Centre. The maps are ready for download from our website. Courses also can be done with the Map Run App or by picking up a map from customer service, onsite at SWC.
      The longest challenge is a 24 controls Score O.



      Events calendar for Alberta


      Did you know that you can see most of the events planned for 2023 on our webpage Events? We also have a planning calendar you can download for your own planning notes.
       
      Edmonton Club ( EOOC)
      • Club news
      Calgary Club (FWOC):
      • Upcoming events
      Outreach: Red Deer events
      • Red Deer 
      $$$ GRANTS $$$

      Great New Provincial Government Grants!


       

      Alberta’s government investing $8 million to help make sports, physical activity and recreation more accessible through the new Every Kid Can Play program.  Every Kid Can Play (EKCP) Program is designed to address affordability and accessibility challenges to sport, physical activity, and recreation (SPAR) programs for Alberta kids and their families. Alberta families can apply for up to $350 per child to offset registration fees, through funds directed to KidSport Alberta.

      ADDITIONAL for non-profit sport organizations to make sports more affordable.
       2 grant application processes with the Government of Alberta, for Provincial-Scope organizations and Community-Level non-profit organizations, funding is available  to reduce costs associated with the delivery, expansion, or enhancement of existing programs.
      We will work with the clubs to apply for these grants.


      Our Annual Grants :
      1. AOA Grants for Alberta Clubs:

      The AOA Grants Policy and application form can be found on our website.
      • AOA Grant Policy for Clubs ​​updated 2023​​​​
      • AOA has three grants available to support the clubs.
      •  To apply contact the AOA office.​
      ​​2. Application for AOA Members: 
      • The Leadership Grant will encourage AOA members to attend or present courses, clinics, workshops, training camps events and conferences.
      • The High-Performance Grant supports athletes who are named by Orienteering Canada to Canada's National Teams. It also supports Alberta coaches and team leaders of National Teams.
      • For members, the application deadline is December 1st.  Please download the application form below and send it back to  [email protected] .
      • AOA High-Performance Grant​  application​​
      • AOA Leadership Grant​ application
      Just For Fun....


      Did you guess?


      Copyright ©  AOA.  All rights reserved.


      Our mailing address is:
      Alberta Orienteering Association
      Box 1576 Cochrane, Alberta
      T4C 1B5 Canada

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      April 03rd, 2023

      4/3/2023

       
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      AOA News and Events
      AOA Facebook AOA Facebook
      AOA Twitter AOA Twitter
      AOA Website AOA Website
      AOA Instagram AOA Instagram

      Hello Alberta orienteers, 
      As I write this we are two hours away from the spring equinox.  And even though there is still snow on the ground here in Edmonton, the sky is a brilliant blue and temperatures are above zero.  So, condolences to the skiers out there, but I hope you will be as enthused as I am to start thinking about the orienteering season ahead.
      In planning for the 2023 season your AOA board met in Red Deer in February to determine its priorities and the budget to apply to all the objectives we have as the provincial orienteering association.  A couple of key priorities we chose were, one, to increase the ranks of senior orienteering officials – and the course we held in Calgary yesterday for level 300 course planners is one small step in that direction (thanks to Marion Owen for organizing and John Rance for putting on the course!).  And another is to help to develop and support new and current mappers in Alberta, as, most of you will know, accurate maps are a cornerstone of our sport.  But these are just two of the many things we will be doing–especially by our executive director, Bogi Gyorfi.  By the way, if you would like to help set priorities for provincial orienteering, we would welcome any of you who would like to join the AOA board, especially at the upcoming annual general meeting (notice to come out soon).
      Speaking of training officials, The Edmonton Overlanders Orienteering Club (EOOC) will be introducing orienteering techniques as well as course planning to newer orienteers in a combined social and learning weekend at the Strathcona Wilderness Centre.  Why this emphasis on qualifying new officials?  Well, in 2025 EOOC  will be putting on the Canadian Orienteering Championships (COCs) and Foothills Orienteering (FWOC) will be organizing the Western Canadian Orienteering Championships (WCOCs), and advanced certified officials are needed for course planning and managing these Canada Cup events.  So, in a domino effect, those people who will be spending the hundreds of hours in planning for 2025, leave a gap in the planning of local orienteering events, for which the clubs hope to bring in and qualify new officials.
      I don’t want to leave an impression that it is such a lot of work to put on orienteering events...well, it is...but it is work that those of us who have been involved with the sport for a while now, thoroughly and absolutely enjoy.  Both in the planning and execution of events, and as participants.
      So, here’s a welcome to spring 2023 and the new orienteering season!
      Sincerely,
      Kim Kasperski

      Kim Kasperski

      Save the date:

       
      Alberta Orienteering Association 

      AGM


      7 pm, April 13, 2023

       Zoom meeting

      Please register below to receive an email with the Zoom link. The link will be also posted on our website just before the event starts.
      All participants at the AOA AGM will be entered to win a door prize!
      It's a win-win situation!  

      Register for the AOA AGM here

      Join us to dust off the compass and your skills

      Western Canadian Training Camp
      Foothills Wanderers Orienteering Club (FWOC) and the AOA are hosting a 3-day spring training camp in Cranbrook using the fantastic maps and great terrain from the 2022 Canadian Championships. Enjoy three days of coached training activities, a B- event and spend some social time with fellow orienteers from across Canada in the group accommodation option.

      • Date: May 19-22, 2023
      • Intermediate and advanced adults
      • Experienced youth 12 years and older are welcome 
      • Accommodation: College of the Rockies, Cranbrook campus
      Learning & Social Weekend
      Edmonton Overlanders Orienteering Club (EOOC) is inviting everyone who is relatively new to the sport and wants to get more confident with orienteering basics. This is a great opportunity to learn more about our sport, explore new areas, practice advanced navigation techniques, connect to other orienteers, and/or work towards your 100-level certification.
      • Location: Strathcona Wilderness Centre Lodge.
      • When: Friday March 24th to Sunday, March 26th, with optional overnight bunkhouse-style accommodation.
      • Come and stay for the whole weekend camp, or choose which sessions to register for.







       

      NEW OUTREACH program in RED DEER for all ages

      • We want to provide opportunities for individuals and families to enjoy the outdoors and develop confidence and motivation to be active outside .
      • All our events are planned for Wednesdays 6:00-7:30 pm, in different locations to discover the city parks with our maps.
      • ​These are self-led activities for all ages. You are welcome to bring the whole family but parents must stay with their children.
      • There will be two courses, one for newbies and kids and one for the experienced.
      HOW TO JOIN?
      Become an AOA Outreach Member and you can enjoy up to 10 events in 2023.  If you sign up for the annual membership, you will receive an email before each event confirming the start location.

      Not sure yet? Sign up for one free TRY IT.


      RED DEER Community Orienteering Events calendar:
      ​
      Wednesdays 6:00-7:30 pm
      1. May 22- Barrett Park
      2. May 31- Red Deer Polytechnic
      3. June 7 - Bower Ponds
      4. June 14- Kin Canyon
      5. July date TBD - Heritage Ranch
      6. August date TBD- Barrett park
      7. September 13 - RDP
      8. September 27 - Bower Pond
      9. October 4- Kin Canyon
      10. October 18 - Heritage Ranch


      Try an Orienteering event on (MAY 6/7 TBD) with the EOOC forest event at Morningside JJ Colette Natural area. We will have courses for everyone from beginners to advanced








        Planning calendar for Alberta 2023


        Did you know that you can see most of the events planned for 2023 on our webpage Events? We also have a planning calendar you can download for your own planning notes.
         
        Edmonton Club ( EOOC)
        • Club news
        Calgary Club (FWOC):
        • Upcoming events
        Outreach: Airdrie and Red Deer events
        • Red Deer and Airdrie 


         
         $$$$ GRANTS $$$$
        The AOA Grants Policy and application form can be found on our website.

        AOA Grant Policy for Alberta clubs :
        • AOA Grant Policy for Clubs ​​updated 2023​​​​
        • AOA has three grants available to support the clubs.
        • For clubs, the application deadline is April 1st.  To apply contact the AOA office.​
        ​​Application forms for AOA members : 
        • The Leadership Grant will encourage AOA members to attend or present courses, clinics, workshops, training camps and conferences.
        • The High-Performance Grant supports athletes who are named by Orienteering Canada to Canada's National Teams. It also supports Alberta coaches and team leaders of National Teams.
        • For members, the application deadline is December 1st.  Please download the application form below and send it back to  [email protected] .
        • AOA High-Performance Grant​  application​​
        • AOA Leadership Grant​ application


        We are happy to announce that we have received $2500 from the Government of Canada ParticipAction Grant to organize 5 events in 5 communities and invite underrepresented populations to try orienteering. If you have ideas for Crowsnest Pass, Red Deer, Cochrane, Calgary, or Edmonton or know someone who can we contact to invite, please let us know.

         


        Get the KIDS outside or help us spread the word
        Youth Programs and TRY IT Opportunities

         

        Check out the Red Deer and Airdrie Outreach Programs and grab a spot. Registration is open and space is limited. We are also hosting Try It events.
        in Red Deer and Airdrie .
        NEW COMMUNITY PROGRAM IN RED DEER !!
         
        SOGO programs in Calgary and the KRW programs in Edmonton opened registration for the spring.

        Mapping and Alberta Park Permit Updates


        Mapping Update 
        We are excited to say that the mapping activity is growing in our province. New maps are being planned for the 2025 Canadian Championships and the 4 new outreach maps are in the works.

        Thanks to our seasoned mappers Don B, Don R and Geraint who are always busy updating maps and helping some of the new mappers get hooked on making maps.

        The club volunteers will never run out of jobs with map updates and finding new areas to map in the cities.  Thanks to David, Teresa, Marsha, Stefan, Tim, and Dorothy for supporting this important work.

        AB Park permit update:
        FWOC is excited to share news that AB Parks, Kananaskis Region, in consultation with FWOC and AOA, has developed an excellent Orienteering Directive that should facilitate getting permits in the Kananskis region! Once our maps have been reviewed by the ecological lead on that AB Kananaskis team (the last step in a multi-year process), we should be able to offer more forest events on some of our favourite maps! Stay tuned! The Directive also makes it easier to create and use new maps! We can't thank Kitty Jones enough for devoting years to spear-heading this effort.

        Congrats to our Team Canada Athletes

        Orienteering Canada has just selected its Team Canada Program roster for 2023 and we're super proud to have 3 FWOC club members on that list:

        • Andrew M has been selected to the Junior National Team. Andrew was introduced to the sport through our SOGO Adventuring Running Progam years ago and has been excelling at all levels of competition recently including at the Junior World Championships in Portugal this past summer. Andrew is currently living in Hamilton while studying at McMaster University. 
        • Jan Erik N has been selected to the Senior National Team. Jan Erik first competed at the Junior World Championships level in 2016 and in 2018 achieved a 13th place in the JWOC long distance in Hungary - a best result for Canadian men. Jan Erik lived in Calgary while studying engineering at UofC and ran the SOGO bridge program.  Jan Erik is currently living in Chicago. 
        • Robyn A has been selected to the Junior National Team. Robyn has grown up orienteering with the club in an orienteering family. She moved from Calgary to Vancouver this year for university. Robyn participated in her first Junior World Championships this summer in Portugal as the only woman on the team. 

        Congratulations to Andrew, Jan Erik, and Robyn! 
        You can find information on the entire team here. 


         










        We hope to see you soon!


        Copyright ©  AOA.  All rights reserved.


        Our mailing address is:
        Alberta Orienteering Association
        Box 1576 Cochrane, Alberta
        T4C 1B5 Canada

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        You can update your preferences or unsubscribe from this list.
         






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        AOA last newsletter in 2022

        11/21/2022

         
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        AOA News and Events
        AOA Facebook AOA Facebook
        AOA Website AOA Website
        AOA Instagram AOA Instagram

        Message from the AOA President


        Hello Alberta orienteers,

        Well, I am feeling somewhat wistful about the end of the regular orienteering season, but also encouraged that the events that were held in 2022 show that Alberta orienteering is coming back from the disruptions of the past few years. And with the behind-the-scenes planning for future events, getting new officials trained to develop and run those events, map making and training mappers, trying to improve land access, training coaches, and so on, the “off-season” looks to be just as busy for our
        core of hard-working volunteers.

        And speaking of volunteers, this year the AOA held a one-day event last month to celebrate the people who make such a difference for Alberta orienteering. I think the event at the Red Deer Polytechnic on October 15 th was a great success. The sprint courses designed by David Campden of FWOC and Greg Yarkie of EOOC were a lot of fun – of course the fabulous weather helped – and that led to a very tasty (free) lunch and a chance to recognize the volunteers who had been so key to Alberta orienteering in 2021 and 2022 (check out the names in this newsletter). 

        While the AOA recognizes key event officials and club organizers, some of who put in many hundreds of hours, including hundreds of kilometres of travelling to sites and walking through forests and over plains, there are so many of you who lend a hand, whether offering to pick up controls on a Wednesday night or register participants or mark them in as they finish, hand out maps to school kids, and more – all of which are so welcome to your fellow club member / volunteer who planned and put on the courses.

        I would like to extend a heart-felt thank you to all of you who help Alberta orienteering in whatever way you can. This is how we keep orienteering thriving in Alberta.

        Sincerely,
        Kim Kasperski
        President, Alberta Orienteering Association

        Thank You Volunteers!



        The AOA Volunteer Recognition  Criteria                     
        • AOA board  members 
        •  Auditor of AOA                              
        • Orienteering club’s presidents                                
        • Canada cup (A Meet) main organizers                            
        • Forest event (B-Meet) main organizers     
        •  Someone who has done something especially significant for AOA




         

        Orienteering Highlights in 2022


        Canadian Rockies Orienteering Festival
         
              
        The big event of the year for Albertans was the Canadian Rockies Orienteering Festival (CROF) which included the Western Canadian Orienteering Championships held in Kananaskis, a Barebones event on a new map in the Crowsnest as well as the Canadian Orienteering Championships in Kimberley. This series of events had been planned for 2020 and had to be postponed for two years!  It was exciting to see it finally happen.  The WCOC Forest Sprint held on the new Banded Peak map was exciting!  The Middle and Long events for the WCOCs were held on a new map near Barrier Lake which had very interesting and, at times, extremely challenging terrain! From an organizer's point of view, it was nice to see our hard work of course planning and control site checking come to fruition! Despite the logging that made this map difficult to cross, most finishers said they really enjoyed being out on a new map!  Sunday's WCOC Long Event had an extra challenge thrown in by rain and cold weather.  Most orienteers made their way to Barebones down south to enjoy a more laid-back orienteering event before moving on to the COCs in Kimberley.  These events, too, were held on some very exciting maps! Participants of CROF raved about the orienteering. Congratulations to all the podium finishers and participants! Three Albertans swept their age class in every event: Geraint, Nicki and Grace (pictured above), and seven Albertans made the podium for every event in the 2022 COCs: Lada K, Greg Y, Mark G, Jack M, Tori O, Danny R and Ewan W!

        Regular club events!
              
        Alberta orienteers were also very excited to see the return of regular orienteering events!  Both FWOC and EOOC held about 20 regular Wednesday events.  Calgary had four forest events, including Run the Wild 2022 and an exciting Team Score-O, while Edmonton hosted 4 forest events which included a Score-O at Blackfoot.  Both clubs held successful Halloween events: Spook-O at Confederation Park with about 340 participants feasting on candy around the course, and the 3rd annual Rosenthal Haunted House with 941 participants (584 youth), plus 11 volunteers! In addition, EOOC hosted a Sprint Series, a competition designed for Team Canada time trials but open to orienteers of all skill levels. 

        Red Deer Sprint 

        To top off a great year, the AOA hosted the sprint event in Red Deer (mentioned by Kim in her letter).  This was also the first time on this map, intended for use in 2020! Thanks to Don B for such an awesome map to run on, and to David C and Greg Y for terrific courses. For those of you who missed the event, check out the long course:

        CROF 2022 Pictures


        See many more pictures that can be downloaded here.

        2022  Junior World Orienteering Championships  (JWOC)

         
        We had two juniors from Alberta attending JWOC this year! Congrats to Robyn and Andrew!  It's been quite a different JWOC - with the forest races being rescheduled for the fall, because of the forest fire risk and heat wave in Portugal.

        This JWOC was all about the Sprint races this summer. In the Individual Sprint race, Robyn Astridge was 81st and Andrew McLaren was 91st; other Canadian team members included Isak Fransson from Hamilton (121st) and Lukas Raz from Ottawa (139th). In the Sprint Relay, Canada was 7th in the B final. 

        The Forest events were held November 4-6, and Alec Le Helloco (from Ottawa) represented Canada in the forest disciplines.

        Call for Official's records in 2022 

        A reminder for  the AOA Grants deadline

         
        All the forms can be found on our website:
        www.orienteeringalberta.ca/aoa-policies--grants.html



        Help us do more Orienteering!

         

        We usually don’t engage in donation-based fundraising but this is a unique opportunity for all sports in AB : 
        • The donations are fully matched by the Government of Alberta and 100% goes back to the sport.
        • Donors can select the sport, cause/programs  they want to support
        • It is a charitable donation, so Tax receipts are issued right away to the donors.
        • The donation process is very simple and quick, online donation. 
        • AOA will use 100% of the proceeds to donate back to the clubs, or as requested by the donors. 
        • Send us an email if you have a special request for your donation. ([email protected])
        • https://www.alberta.ca/sport-physical-activity-and-recreation-donation-form.aspx#jumplinks-1
         

         Activities for the winter 

         

        The clubs still do some members-only activities so make sure you check the EOOC and FWOC websites on a regular basis!

        Edmonton Club (EOOC):

        • Club news
        Calgary Club (FWOC):
        • Upcoming events including TNT
        Outreach:
        • AOA can book special events as requested from outreach areas
        • Email us: at [email protected]
        Orienteering Games: 
         
        • For those who want to test their control description knowledge: MapRunner CD Quiz
        • For those who want to develop speed in making route choices (especially in sprint orienteering): Route Choice Game ( you have to register to play but it is free)
        • For those who want to improve their ability to read contours: Contour Training

          On the radar for next year...

          • May - Spring Training Camp
          • June - 2023 WCOCs in Kelowna
          • July - 2023 California O-Fest and NAOC (North American Orienteering Championships)
          • August - 2023 COCs in Montreal
          • 2023 Alberta Orienteering Championships hosted by FWOC

          Take care and see you back orietneering soon!


          Copyright ©  AOA.  All rights reserved.


          Our mailing address is:
          Alberta Orienteering Association
          Box 1576 Cochrane, Alberta
          T4C 1B5 Canada

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          You can update your preferences or unsubscribe from this list.
           






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          2022 AOA  SPRING Newsletter

          3/18/2022

           
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          AOA News and Events
          AOA Facebook AOA Facebook
          AOA Twitter AOA Twitter
          AOA Website AOA Website
          AOA Instagram AOA Instagram

          Message from the AOA President

          Hello Alberta Orienteers, from those just starting out, to those who have run the forests and plains for years.  Welcome, all to the 2022 orienteering season!

          I am crossing my fingers and holding my breath, hoping that we can get back to more in-person events this season.  The one common thread that I have heard this winter is that people really miss seeing their fellow orienteers in person.  To that end, the AOA has increased its budget for events where people can come to together and share their mutual enjoyment of our sport.
          Something special to look forward to in July is the running of the much-postponed Western Canadian Orienteering Championship, put on by our friends at FWOC, and the associated Canadian Orienteering Championship, put on by our B.C. friends at the Kootenay Orienteering Club.  A special opportunity between these two events, will be to take in two Barebones events near Blairmore, in southern Alberta.
          For those chomping at the bit, FWOC is hoping to put on their traditional spring opener at Rumsey on Sunday, May 1st, and EOOC is also hoping to put on an event in Morningside two weeks later.  So, dust off your compass, and get ready for orienteering in 2022.  I hope to see you on the trails!

          Kim Kasperski

          Save the date:

           Alberta Orienteering Association 
          AGM


          7 pm, April 19, 2022

           Zoom meeting

          Please register below to receive an email with the Zoom link. The link will be also posted on our website just before the event starts.

          Register for the AOA AGM here

          All participants at the AOA AGM on April 19, 2022 will be entered to win an entry to the WCOC!
          It's a win-win situation!  Not sure what WCOC is?
          Read on to learn about the Western Canadian Orienteering Championships below.

          Plan for a great vacation this summer!

          The Foothills Wanderers Orienteering Club (FWOC), AOA and the Kootenay Orienteering Club have teamed up to organize the 2022 Canadian Rockies Orienteering Festival, July 1 to July 10, 2022.

          We invite you to join us for the 2022 Western Canadian Orienteering Championships (WCOC) and the 2022 Canadian Orienteering Championships (COC) on some of the best terrain in Canada with spectacular surroundings. For both championships, there will be three races: sprint, middle and long distances as well as model event. All races will be on new or fully revised high-quality maps. 

          Don't let the name intimidate you. These events are also family and beginner-friendly, both championship and open/recreational classes will be available. You can even try it in a group setting.

          NEW ! We will also be orienteering for the first time ever in the Crowsnest Pass in SW Alberta. The perfect stop as you make your way from the Westerns to the Sass Peepre Camp and the Canadians.

          The Canadian Rockies offer plenty of outdoor recreational activities for everyone … checkout out the tourism pages of the cities of Calgary, Banff, Canmore, Blairmore, Cranbrook and Kimberley!
            Registration is coming soon! We are setting up a new system so please bear with us.




           

          Planning calendar for Alberta 2022


          Check out the Alberta and close-by events. It looks like we are back with a full set of offerings. From the usual Wednesday night club events to forest events, training opportunities and  Provincial / Westerns & National Championships everything is being planned for this summer.

           
          Please SAVE the DATE!

          AUGUST 21-22 , 2022 Sunday and Monday. 
           
          We need your help!

          AOA received a CASINO draw in Calgary Pure Casino. The AGLC Casino fund is a main operational support for AOA. We use it for creating maps, developing programs and supporting events. If you can help us with a shift it would be greatly appreciated.
          Please sign up below.


           
          AOA Casino Sign Up

          Full speed ahead -
          Youth Programs and Try It! Opportunities

           

          Check out the Red Deer and Airdrie Outreach Programs and grab a spot. Registration is open and space is limited. We are also hosting Try It events in April.
          in Red Deer and Airdrie and Calgary
          SOGO programs in Calgary and the KRW programs in Edmonton opened registration for the spring.

           AOA and Clubs' News

           

          The AOA Board of Directors had an in-person meeting to work on the 2022 and beyond strategic plan and goals to advance orienteering.

          Strategic Planning, Roadmap, Grants and Reports can be found on our website. Feedback, ideas, engagement are always welcome!
          • https://www.orienteeringalberta.ca/agm-meetings.html
          • https://www.orienteeringalberta.ca/aoa-policies--grants.html

          Edmonton Club ( EOOC)
          • Club news
          Calgary Club (FWOC):
          • Upcoming events
          Outreach: Airdrie and Red Deer events
          • Red Deer and Airdrie 


            Congratulations and Thank You!


            THANK YOU to our amazing volunteers.
            One thing is certain, Orienteering in Alberta would not exist without all the dedicated heroes in the community who give thousands of hours to the sport.
            Congrats to Marion, Geraint and Marilyn who were inducted into the Order of Orienteering Canada (Lifetime Achievement) by Orienteering Canada this month! Check out their bios for all the amazing things they have done!






             

             

            We hope to see you soon!


            Copyright ©  AOA.  All rights reserved.


            Our mailing address is:
            Alberta Orienteering Association
            Box 1576 Cochrane, Alberta
            T4C 1B5 Canada

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