Teamwork and determination key to orienteering success

The sun shone brightly at Linton Village College earlier this week as 100 children from six South Cambs primary schools took part in a fun but challenging orienteering event designed to test their teamwork, communication and problem-solving skills.

The event was open to children in years 3 & 4 and aimed at those that don’t normally get a chance to represent their school in sporting competitions or perhaps don’t like your more traditional team sports.

Mixed teams of 4 took part in three different challenges including an orienteering team score competition, netball numbers and a school games challenge. Each activity involved teamwork and communication as well as running to find markers to successfully complete the challenge in as quick a time as possible.

Claire McDonnell, Partnership Manager said,

“The ideabehind the orienteering competition was to try and appeal to a different group of young people who perhaps don’t like your more traditional sports. Orienteering is an active outdoor sport that challenges both the mind and body with children having to work together, devise a plan, find points and make decisions.  It was great to see a different group of young people getting the chance to represent their school, experience being part of a team and have fun and enjoy themselves!”

The orienteering team score activity was won by Cottenham B team who found the 10 check points located around the school field in a fantastic time of 14.06mins. Netball numbers was won by Linton Heights D team who were one of only two teams to complete all 6 courses and get all the correct answers in the allocated time, Cottenham A were the other team, but Linton completed the challenge in a slightly quicker time.Finally, the school games challenge was won by Fowlmere A team who located all 12 pictures in a speedy time of 4.45mins.

‘Spirit of the Games’ awards were also given out on the day and these were awarded by the sports leaders to the following teams and individuals:

Great Abington B for showing great teamwork and being very supportive of each other and never giving up.

Cottenham B for always trying their best and never giving up.

Cottenham A for always supporting each other with a high spirit and showing great teamwork.

Burrough Green A team for showing fantastic teamwork, listening to each other and working together.

Linton Heights for working hard as a team throughout all activities as well as completing them in a quick time.

Ella Smythers from Dry Drayton for showing great positivity and taking control without being bossy.

A team of Year 10 sports leaders from Linton Village College supported the event and were involved with leading the activities, supporting the teams and timing and scoring the challenges. They all did a fantastic job and were excellent leaders and role models to the younger children. Special mention goes to the following leaders who really stood out:

Ollie for being really encouraging and supportive as a group leader.

Lilly for giving clear explanations, staying to support her group and being very caring.

Lucie for displaying a really positive approach, being kind and helpful, encouraging the younger children and showing clear communication skills. Well done Lucie who was our leader of the day!