BOF Annual Awards 2025: Volunteer of the Year – Terry O’Brien (STAG)

Our Volunteer of the Year Award recognises an individual who has demonstrated a commitment to supporting the delivery of orienteering activities with passion, energy, and enthusiasm.

In 1980 Terry was invited to take on the role of West Area Secretary/Coordinator and remained in this until May 2023 when he stood down. When no volunteers came forward, he resumed this position and is currently coordinating the 2026 Scottish Championships Weekend @ Grandtully and working with Michael Atkinson on the South of Scotland O League. 

He formed STAG in 1982 and began serving on Scottish Orienteering Committee for the best part of 30 years until the rules were changed. During his time he held responsibility for Publicity, Coaching, Competitions and as Operations Director reshaped the Events structure in early 2000. Also served as Vice President for a short period pre WOC 1999. 

In 1994 was offered the position of STAG Honorary President with overall responsibility for Club Development and still fulfils this role and is involved in ALL aspects of STAG business daily which included the job of project Manager for the Lottery Funded Project – ORIENTEERINGLASGOW – launched in 2002. 

Organiser and Planner of at least 10 SOLs since 1987. 

Coordinator of Scottish 6 Days Strathearn 2019. 

Controls SOLs for several other Clubs including TINTO, CLYDE, SOLWAY, ECKO, RR, ESOC, TAY and FVO. 

BOF Regional Coach, Grade A Organiser and Grade A Controller. 

Recognition 

• 1995 Silva Award – Nominated by Stan & Verona Johnston (LOC). 
• 1997 Barclaycard Champion of British Sport Individual Award – Nominated by West Area Orienteering 
• 2019 British Empire Medal 

Education 

Taught PE for 39 years and in that time coordinated 2 British Schools Championships, retired as Secretary of the Scottish Schools Orienteering Association having organised/planned/controlled many Scottish Schools’ Festivals and controlled the 2025 British Schools Champs held by ESOC. 

Responsible for planning and installing over 70 permanent courses in schools mainly in the West of Scotland. 

Personal Performance Results 

SOL Series M65S – 1st 

66 Events attended this year, between Mapping, competing, planning, organising, controlling, or other voluntary roles. 

A huge well done to Terry!