An adventurous theme

The sport of orienteering began in Sweden at the end of the 19th century, developing from a military exercise to improve navigational skills. Competitors have to navigate their way across unknown terrain to find a number of designated points in the quickest time. The first known civilian competition was held in Norway in 1897 although it was originally thought the first event was held in Sweden in 1901. The event in Sweden used the churches in Spånga and Bromma as landmarks to be found by the competitors using standard survey maps of the time. Since then, the sport has evolved to use highly detailed maps with clear competition rules and technical standards to challenge the minds and bodies of participants.

The essential feature of all orienteering events is a specially drawn map given to the competitors as they start the race. The course is set to require each competitor to visit a number of designated points, known as controls, in the shortest time possible. The terrain used for