Page 153 - Mind, Body & Spirit Number 104 2020/21

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RAPTC ORIENTEERING
SSgt (SSI) R Harrison RAPTC
Each year the RAPTC orienteering competitors come together to compete in the RAPTC Individual Orienteering Championship. During 2020 this fell at a convenient time
between lockdowns to allow the event to run. This year the competitors travelled to Pyestock, near Aldershot, to compete in a 1-hour score competition. The aim of this competition is to navigate to as many check points as possible within 1-hour with a maximum of 30 check points. All check points can be navigated in any order, so quick critical planning is essential to prevent running a longer route. Every check point is worth 10 points and every 6 seconds over the hour equates to a 1-point deduction, in this case judging time, distance and speed is vital. Capt (MAA) Harris finished with a fantastic score of 250 points and thought he had it in the bag, only to find out he had been beaten by Lt Col (SMAA) Steve Collinson with an even better score of 270 points. As always it was a very enjoyable event and the day even brought out Capt (MAA) Barry Sweatman for his yearly run out.
This year’s event saw the final year for the SMAA on what has been a very successful orienteering career. He has been at the forefront of RAPTC orienteering for a good 20+ years and has been in and out of the Army Orienteering team a number of times. He has been an outstanding example to the rest of the team and
will be missed as he leaves the service after 38 years, the RAPTC orienteering team bid him farewell and wish him all the best for the future.
Usually, the top 4 from the RAPTC championships are selected to compete as a team to represent the RAPTC at the Corps Orienteering Champs. This was unfortunately cancelled due to COVID-19, as many other sports were also.
The score course type of orienteering competition caters for all orienteering abilities which is great for newcomers to the sport. This year we had one new competitor, Sgt (SI) N Attree who thoroughly enjoyed himself and did very well. Although there were 10 competitors this year, the RAPTC orienteering team are very keen to increase numbers. Military League events run most Wednesdays throughout the year depending on which region you are in with all info on BAOC.com, or, if you do have any questions, please contact the RAPTC Secretary, SSgt (SSI) Robin Harrison.
President Lt Col (MAA) C Deed MBE Chairman Capt (MAA) A Harris Secretary SSgt (SSI) R Harrison