The Big 5 O-Week was a ground breaking event for South African Orienteering. It was our first attempt at hosting a five day competition, and also our first big international event in South Africa. In the end we had approximately 180 participants, of which about 100 were visiting South Africa from overseas.
The five orienteering races were put organised by the four Johannesburg-based clubs, with a large group of volunteers working together to ensure a successful outcome. Without the help of these volunteers, the Big 5 would not have been possible.
Judging by the comments and reports that we’ve received so far, both from local as well as international competitors, the Big 5 O-Week was an enjoyable and successful week of orienteering. There were a few wobbles, which we would like to apologise for. From the organisers perspective, I think we have achieved what we set out to do, but more importantly we have learned a great deal about organising orienteering competitions at this level. We have had a very steep learning curve, but I believe we’ll take all the lessons, good and bad, and be able to build a stronger, better Big 5 O-Week in two years time. For this reason, we welcome all comments, criticisms and encouragements from both competitors as well as our volunteers that can help us improve on the Big 5. Please contact us via email or other means with your suggestions.
Thanks must first be given to all our volunteers and their clubs: AR CLUB, ROC, RACO and WITSOC. Their dedication ensured that the Big 5 event succeeded. Special note must go to a small handful of persons who volunteered to help on all 5 days, choosing to assist with the organisation in place of competing themselves.
A big thank you must go to our event sponsor, First Ascent, South Africa’s leading outdoor apparel brand. The First Ascent – Big 5 branded t-shirts were extremely popular and well liked. Thank you must also go to our land owners, Komatiland Forests, the Dullstroom community, York Timber and the Lowveld National Botanical Gardens. Orienteering in South Africa is entirely dependent on their generosity and we thank them for their continued support of our sport. They manage some beautiful areas and we are truly privileged to access them.
Congratulations to all the participants in the Big 5. We had some tough competition, not just in the Elite categories, but in the age groups as well. Well done to the winners, but also well done to everyone who finished all five events. We trust that you thoroughly enjoyed the orienteering and the areas. If you were visiting South Africa, we hope you enjoyed your stay and leave the country with good impressions. Once again, please feel free to send us your comments to nmulder@infodoor.co.za
Thank you for your support and all the best with your orienteering…