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Mike Hamilton to Retire

Mike Hamilton, Chief Executive, is to retire from British Orienteering after 11 years.

In the 11 years with British Orienteering there have been many significant changes both in the sport and in the organisation. Within the sport, the growth of urban and sprint events from international to local level has broadened the appeal to a range of people living in cities and urban areas, the technology has revolutionised the sport with electronic timing, now at almost every event. Mike led the change from a large council to a board of directors and consistently ensured that British Orienteering has kept pace with good practices expected of all governing bodies of sport.

Mike has worked tirelessly over his time at British Orienteering and will be missed. He announced his intention to retire at 1st June and has agreed with the board to operate part time for an extended period of notice whilst a suitable replacement is found.

Judith Holt, British Orienteering chair thanked Mike on behalf of the board and membership:

Mike has worked with energy and passion to support the development of the sport of orienteering, in particular in developing policies and practices which, while often unnoticed by the average competitor, are critical to enabling us to continue to run our sport. He has been an inspiring leader and has built up an enormous breadth of knowledge about the management and governance of orienteering; many people in the organisation will sorely miss being able to turn to him for answers.

Thank you, Mike, for your dedication to orienteering for the past 11 years and your organisational legacy. We wish you well in your retirement.

Mike’s contribution to British Orienteering was recently recognised by the Sport and Recreation Alliance who following a nomination by the board awarded him the Emeritus Award. The award which has been in existence for over 10 years is presented to an individual for their life-long or sustained service to grassroots sport and recreation.

The British Orienteering Board Directors have confirmed that a recognition of Mike’s contribution to the sport will be made at the Association and Club Conference.

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