One of the most rewarding roles for the Scottish Orienteering Association (SOA) President is the opportunity to recognise someone special, for their outstanding achievements in Scottish orienteering.
The medal was originally brought to Britain by a Scandinavian delegation visiting to promote, what was then, a very new sport to Britain. The medal was presented to a person, group or club that had made a major contribution to the introduction and development of the sport in Britain. Many years on, the medal was gifted to the SOA by Bert Bradshaw, who pointed out that the date on the medal matched the date the SOA was formed and asked if it could be put to good use. The SOA agreed that the medal should be used to honour the greatest achievement by an individual each year. It is presented at each AGM, by the SOA President, to the person they regard as most deserving of recognition for “outstanding achievements by a Scottish orienteer”.
At the SOA AGM on 12 May 2007, President Ken Daly presented the President’s medal to Lynne Walker of Loch Eck Orienteering Club (ECKO). In making the award, Ken explained how Lynne had been deeply involved in every level of the sport and always delivered a top quality experience for all. Lynne always makes orienteering fun.
One of Lynne’s main contributions has been at a club level where she has been a fundamental driving force behind the growth and success of ECKO. With ECKO Lynne worked closely with Niall Urquhart, Argyll & Bute education authority and the Stramash project to map many local areas and use them to host introductory events for the schools and local community. Whilst undertaking this work Lynne encouraged and mentored many novice volunteers and competitors. The net result has been a very positive increase in participation, membership and club activity. In 2006/7 ECKO also hosted a Scottish Orienteering League race and the 11-Person Relays as well as the numerous smaller events.
Lynne also held many official posts in 2006/7. She was the ECKO club secretary, the SOA Vice President (Performance) and a 6-Day Company Director. During her term as SOA VP, Lynne played a massive role in raising the profile of both coaching and performance in Scottish orienteering. Along with her helpers, Lynne organised the SOA Performance Symposium in December 2005, the SOA Coaching Day in November 2006 and has already prepared five days of coaching for the week before the Scottish 6-Day event in Speyside this autumn. Lynne also helped create greater structure for the Scottish orienteering squads, which now provides an excellent platform for them to work from in future.
In her role as a 6-Day Company Director Lynne helped manage the affairs of the 6-Day Company, was the Co-ordinator for Lochaber 2001, was a controller at Moray 2003, was a planner at Deeside 2005 and is the Lead Director for Tay 2009.
Lynne is also a qualified level 4 coach, grade 3 controller, a course planner and very accomplished competitor.
Ken emphasised that Lynne is always organised and efficient; always delivers high quality and fun orienteering; and thus provides a very positive advert for the sport of orienteering in Scotland. It was therefore very fitting that Lynne’s excellent achievements and contribution across Scottish orienteering was recognised with the award of the President’s medal. Congratulations and thank you Lynne!
Ken Daly.
Posted by on 25th May 07 Filed under: Executive • News