South Yorkshire Orienteers have participated in World Orienteering Day since it began in 2016. They held their 2023 World Orienteering Day event at Wincobank on 17 May attracting 52 juniors (alongside accompanying adults) and 49 senior participants.

World Orienteering Day takes place each year in May. The aim is to encourage young people to try orienteering. In 2019, just before the Covid pandemic, almost 400 000 people took part! And so far 86,614 people in 60 countries have taken part in 2023 but the data is still being gathered.

South Yorkshire Orienteers encouraged club members to bring along a friend to help celebrate WOD! The event took place at Wincobank, which is the site of an ancient iron age hill fort commanding a stunning position overlooking Sheffield. Courses explored the ancient mine workings in the woodland and then ventured up to the hill fort for a leg along the ancient ramparts!

There was a bit of added excitement when early starters came across a flaming control! Fortunately, it was swiftly extinguished with the SI box intact. There was plenty of opportunity post-race for competitors to compare routes and enjoy the evening sunshine.

Thank you to all the volunteers who helped put on a very enjoyable event!