SA School Champs Wrap Up

The 2022 SA Schools Orienteering Championships were held on Monday 23rd May in Belair National Park. 21 Schools took part bringing a total of 152 primary and secondary school aged children from across the state. The courses were set by Jenny Casanova covering the former golf course site and southern parts of Belair National Park, allowing the children to test their navigational abilities in an exciting and safe bush location. The weather was kind to the competitors which made the event arena a lively atmosphere with loud cheering from all who were spectating or finished competing. These loud cheers sometimes lead to over excited competitors missing the last control, a reminder that the race is never done until the finish has been punched! Nonetheless the mispunches and DNF's were few, showing that these students have great potential for a future in our sport.

This year the Williams Shield for Primary Schools was claimed by Stirling East Primary School with a 1 point win over Coromandel Valley Primary School, no doubt stirring on a rivalry to be challenged at the Schools Relays and at the 2023 Individual Championships. The Wale Shield for Secondary Schools was this year taken in an upset win by Adelaide Botanic High School, newcomer to the Schools Championships with a convincing 5 point win over 2021 trophy winner Heathfield High School, no doubt encouraging Adelaide Botanic and Heathfield to bolster their attendance in 2023.

The organiser for the day - Tyson Hillyard from Wallaringa Orienteers - wishes to extend his congratulations to all students on fantastic efforts at the championship. Additionally to thank the multitude of volunteers who, without quarrel or incident, brought a high quality and well organised event to the schools this year. Thanks to Aylwin Lim who acted as event controller and ensured all bases were covered in course setting, control sites and event administration on the day. Rachael Upton too deserves a great deal of thanks for acting as event secretary, administering all of the entries and handling the many equiries in the lead up to the event.
Tyson Hillyard, Wallaringa Orienteers and all of our volunteers wish to thank all the schools who took part in this year's Schools Individual Orienteering Championships.

Full results can be see by clicking on this link