Discussion: World Orienteering Day

I have pushed a little for this event earlier (in a private log) but have now been asked to remind and inform my North American friends of its existence.

WOD is a world wide promotional event to be held on May 11th - at present with organizers registered in 41 countries. The interest from USA and Canada has been low so far (one US entry, Canada zero) so it´s time to start planning - don't let this opportunity slip out of your hands.

Lots of information, folders, posters and other promotional material can be found at:

http://www.worldorienteeringday.com

It's later than our usual planning timeline (last fall for our club, in order to obtain forest service permits where needed). What's the reasoning for a week night event (Wednesday)? Orienteering USA had an orienteering day (or weekend) for several years, which had been popular, with many clubs participating. I suspect that it's just a matter of increasing awareness.

It's actually a week DAY event - with the main focus to get lots of schoolkids taking part. The goal is to set a guiness book of world record having over 250,000 kids take part.

SOGO is in - we're planning an event that day!

Great to hear of someone planning in Canada :)

Unfortunately, it clashes with national school exams in Australia so our scope to get involved at the school level is going to be limited, but an excellent idea nonetheless.

OCIN will have an evening event. No bites from schools so far. We have a big school program planned for May 13 but unfortunately can't change the date to coincide...

I don't remember hearing about it until just a few weeks ago. American public schools are so tightly scheduled that we would have to start now to get it on next year's program. Maybe some of the private schools are more flexible, but I doubt many.
ETA: I should add that this is my opinion based on a little observation as a non-parent.

We are planning an evening event but starting it earlier than usual to attract families (Sheffield, UK)