Last Sunday, 9 SYO juniors took part in the annual British Schools Champs, which this year was held in the grounds of the Tudor house, at Temple Newsam, Leeds - a mixture of open parkland, and mature woodland. As well as possibly being ensnared by the brambles, other safety hazards included Ha Has, as well as a few ornamental ponds, and the odd grazing cow out and about on the course.

Over 800 school children came from as far afield as Bath and Aberdeenshire. From SYO, the participants were: Louise Adams (Y11), Dom Dakin (Y8), Pippa Dakin (Y12), Jake Field (Y13), Joe Field (Y8), Yasmin Field (Y11), Joe Owens (Y7), Ronan Sahni (Y8), Jo Smith (Y12). Among these 9, there were 4 podium places from Louise Adams (2nd), Dom Dakin (2nd), Pippa Dakin (2nd) and Jake Field (3rd).

Also taking part were six pupils from Dore Primary, who were in the Boys Y5 category. Although there were no podium places, all the competitors (all relatively new to Orienteering) completed their course with no miss-punches.

Assembly had a real buzz about, and that was definitely helped by the number of people. It was a lovely day, and so nobody minded having to ‘hang around’ in assembly. As well as the normal results, other ‘entertainment’ included the uphill run-in, accompanied by live commentary, the start at the top of the hill, where many a child would deploy the ‘run to the start kite and stop for a while’ tactic, a Puzzle-O (that really WAS puzzling), and some music, that possibly suited the ‘kidz’ more than the teachers.

Spectators also weren’t short on food, as O-Nosh and Podium Catering supplied the main course, whilst Y.H.O.A. Cakes sold over 400 cakes to the hungry runners (and a few teachers), raising funds for the junior squad.
Finally, to top the day off, the prizegiving was held in the beautiful open-air amphitheatre, where everybody got a seat, and a good view (lucky it wasn’t raining)!
Overall, it was a thoroughly enjoyable day for both competitors and spectators, and it was great to see so many children from across the whole of the U.K. participating, and just really having a go at Orienteering.

British Schools Champs 2014 Results

Written by Dominic Dakin        Photo Credit to Wendy Carlyle

This is an annual schools event, open to all pupils Y5 and above. This year, Dore Primary was the only school in Sheffield to field a full team. It would be great if next year, more local schools could do the same. The date for the 2015 event:

Sandringham, 15th November 2015

Details are to follow on the B.S.O.A. Website.