The Canadian Orienteering Federation (COF) is pleased to announce the 2009 National Orienteering Week from May 2 to 10.

"National Orienteering Week is a perfect opportunity for people to try the sport of orienteering," said COF President Charlotte MacNaughton in a press release.

Clubs across the country will be holding clinics and races to introduce the sport to novices.

"The sport has lots to offer for all ages, all fitness levels, and all levels of experience", said MacNaughton. "Whether it's people wanting to be more active in the outdoors, runners seeking a sport involving more brain-work, adventure racers wanting to improve their navigational skills or families looking for a fun sport they can do together, orienteering can fit the bill."

Orienteering is a cross-country sport that involves route-finding by navigation. Participants navigate between checkpoints, using a detailed map and a compass.

Orienteers enjoy the physical and mental challenges that the sport provides, which is why the sport is often referred to as ‘the thinking sport' as the athletes strive for balance between physical and mental exertion.

Events vary in length from 15 minutes to two or more hours depending on the type of event and the suitability of the terrain. Some events are held in city parks, while others are held in forested wilderness areas.

All events have a variety of race courses appropriate for the various ages, skill and fitness levels.

Young participants race primarily on trails with simpler navigation (either walking or running), while elite athletes will run primarily off-trail with difficult navigational challenges and complex route choices.

Information about National Orienteering Week, including a complete event listing, is at www.orienteering.ca.

In Whitehorse, the Yukon Orienteering Association will be hosting three events during this week.

May 2 will be the Annual Learn to O workshop which is a wonderful introduction to the sport.

The advantages of clinic will include breaking down some of the skills used in the sport, such as reading and following compass bearings properly.

Coaches at the Learn to O workshop will be available to work in small groups to help with some specific techniques

The workshop will be held at the Mt. McIntyre Rec. Centre, starting off on the trails, but individuals can generally graduate into more difficult courses as they feel confident.

"The people who have never tried orienteering before and they can come out and learn all about the sport, how it works and learn about sort of simple map reading, enough to get them started and feel comfortable coming out to our meets," said Ross Burnett, a volunteer for the Yukon Orienteering Association.

On May 6, the Yukon Orienteering Association will hold its first regular Wednesday night meet of the season.

As a result of chances of snow, the start location is the Robert Service Campground. The meet will begin at 6:30p.m.

Robert Service Campground isn't one of the more difficult courses as a result of the trails around the area, making it an ideal spot for the first meet.

Finally, on May 7, the association will put on a lunch time meet in the downtown area.

The start location is Rotary Park and participants are welcome to come out between 11:30 a.m. and 2p.m.

This course will be wheelchair and stroller accessible. For more information about any of the events check out www.yukonorienteering.ca or call Barbara at 668-2306.

Originally developed more than 100 years ago in Scandinavia, orienteering has grown as a sport to the point where races are held in over 60 countries worldwide every year.

The International Orienteering Federation has expanded to include some 70 member nations, and is actively developing the possibility of orienteering being added as an Olympic event.

The sport itself requires competitors to navigate to designated checkpoints using map and compass through unknown terrain.

While most races involve high-speed cross-country running, other popular variations include orienteering on mountain bikes or on nordic skis.

With recent increases in Adventure Racing, orienteering has gained popularity amongst adventure racers looking for an opportunity to enhance their navigational skills.

Orienteering appeals to outdoor-oriented athletes – people who enjoy being active in the fresh, clean air. It features a very low environmental impact, and encourages participants to respect and appreciate nature.