Year 12 Student Develops Virtual Map For Bristol Orienteering Klub

"I have been a part of Bristol Orienteering Klub (BOK) for eight years now, after being first introduced via the School’s Orienteering club by Mrs Hallet and Mr Lewis. Orienteering has allowed me to travel to some of the most remote and magnificent places in Europe thanks to my selection in major competitions, such as the European Youth Championships in Belarus.

Due to the Coronavirus outbreak, this year’s orienteering season was put to a halt and BOK has put countless hours into implementing the Virtual Orienteering experience now on offer thanks to the Norwegian-designed app, Usylingo. The app uses GPS and imported geo-located orienteering maps to create virtual orienteering races accessible on any mobile device and plays a little jingle as you run past a control.

Since the start of lockdown, I have had a greater involvement in BOK’s Virtual orienteering. I recently planned five courses around Bickley Woods, near Hanham River. Planning for all technical and physical abilities was challenging as the area is very complex in its topography with many cliffs up to 70m high. This meant that I had to take great consideration of the Health and Safety aspect of the course, whilst making it technically suitable for all capabilities. My involvement in this project has helped increase my organisational skills as I worked alongside more experienced members of the club to make critical decisions, which led to the creation of adequate virtual courses.

I am very proud that BOK have chosen to publish one of my own maps after much trial and error. The positive feedback and constructive criticism I have received from previous plans has been very useful in fulfilling this project.

With the Junior Summer Park Series running throughout July and August, now is a great time for anyone to get involved in orienteering. BOK’s junior course is perfect for beginners or to be enjoyed on a family day out. The virtual experience also provides a micro-sprint available to those looking for a greater challenge."

- James, Year 12

For more information, visit https://www.bristolorienteering.org.uk/virtual-junior-summer-series.

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