Article written by Paul McCullough:

" In 2005, the Mid Wales Orienteering club won the coveted 'Club of the Year' organised by the British Orienteering Federation (BOF) and judged by members of their Development committee. There are over 100 clubs in the UK, and this prestigious award is down to the efforts of a few volunteers keeping the O flag flying in Mid Wales.

We are a small club with a diverse range of members from all parts of mid Wales and from all backgrounds. There is a strong junior section, and several of our senior members regularly compete at national level.

The award was due to the excellent work in increasing our membership - the club was on the brink of collapse a few years ago due to low members, but numbers for 2005 are at an all-time high. Schools and youth groups have been involved across the region during 'Healthy Living Week' and as part of the National Curriculum for Physical Education.

Mid Wales Orienteers (formerly Powys and North Ceredigion Orienteering Club, and still known as POW for short) holds events across most of Mid Wales, including Montgomeryshire, north Ceredigion and south Meirionydd and are roughly held once a month throughout the year.

Orienteering is a sport which involves navigating on foot, using a specially prepared and very detailed map, around a series of check points. Courses are usually between 3km and 15km in length, depending on your age and level of experience. Orienteering is a healthy activity which is suitable for all ages, with classes at the larger events for everyone from the under 10s to the over 75s.

You will need to be fit enough to walk for up to an hour over undulating terrain, but apart from this you can compete at whatever speed you like. The top orienteers are extremely fit runners, many of whom also compete in other running sports, but others prefer to take their time and enjoy the scenery, and for many the main challenge is in the map-reading.

Orienteering is a perfect outdoor activity for schools. It has challenging courses for all ages and abilities, and can be used as an element in the National Curriculum for PE, Geography and Mathematics.

Orienteering is very much a minority sport lacking in both the publicity and recognition it deserves. With government and public focus on all matters concerning heathly living, orienteering is an excellent way of keeping fit that all the family can participate in.

There are a few 'Come And Try It' events held every year for newcomers and for members who would like some coaching. Check the club website for further details."

Article written by Paul McCullough