Trail
Orienteering
(description courtesy of the IOF)
Trail
orienteering is an orienteering discipline centered around map
reading in natural terrain. The discipline has been developed to
offer everyone, including people with limited mobility, a chance
to participate in a meaningful orienteering competition. Manual
or electric wheel chairs, walking sticks, and assistance with
movement etc. are permitted as speed of movement is not part of
the competition.
Trail orienteers must identify
on the ground control points shown on the map. As this is done
from a distance, both able-bodied and participants with
disabilities compete on level terms. Proof of correct
identification of the control points does not require any manual
dexterity, allowing those with severely restricted movement to
compete equally. Most trail orienteering events have classes
open for everyone.
European Championships in trail
orienteering have been organised every year since 1994. Athletes
who cannot participate on reasonably equal terms in the sport
for able-bodied people because of a functional disadvantage due
to a permanent disability are eligible for the event (i.e. the
same criterion as for participation in the Paralympics).
The first ever World Cup in
trail orienteering was held in 1999.
Equipment:
- MOBILITY AIDS: Any
recognised mobility aids, apart from a combustion engine
vehicle, are permitted. Requested physical assistance is
also permitted.
- MAP: The competitor
interprets the map to choose which one of the control
markers in the terrain represents the one marked at the map.
- CONTROL CARD: Trail
orienteers use a multiple choice control card.
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