Successful Introduction to Orienteering for the Deaf Community

Last Saturday, SOA organised an Introduction to Orienteering course with the British Deaf Association Scotland. Held in Alexandra Park in Glasgow, members of the deaf community came along to learn all about orienteering and how they could go about teaching it to their peers! For most, this was their first experience of orienteering so the course began with the basics of understanding maps, along with a shout out to the Deaflympics which orienteering is a part of. The day progressed outside where competitive spirits were encouraged with some games – here provided a great example of the adaptability of these games to make them inclusive for all when musical-o proved a great success! The concluding challenge was a group task in which star and loop exercises were planned for each other to have a go at – including their first efforts at having to hang controls.

This was a great day with loads of learning generated for both the participants and IntrO tutors. It’s also wonderful to see how orienteering can provide an inclusive and welcoming opportunity for everyone! There was lots of enthusiasm which we hope will spread through the deaf community.

A huge thanks to DRP Transitions and the BDA Scotland for helping to organise this and to Judy Bell (IntrO tutor) for putting in so much effort to ensure the course content met the needs of the participants whilst also being fun, exciting and informative. SOA would like to thank STAG Orienteering Club for the use of the map of Alexandra Park and Terry for all his help and advice in choosing what proved to be an excellent venue. Thanks too to John Gormlie and Krystian of the Milnbank Housing Association for use of their facilities. This project was jointly funded by BDA, BOF and SOA.