LETTER TO THE EDITOR
Sir – The world’s best cross-country navigators will descend on Central Australia next year ready to plot their route around picturesque desert vistas in the 2016 World Rogaining Championships.
This is an Australian developed sport with more than 8000 regular rogainers across the country. It has been growing rapidly in Europe in recent years. Up to 1200 visitors are expected to travel to Ross River, an hour’s drive from Alice Springs in the East MacDonnell Ranges, for the event on July 23 and 24 next year. The NT Government is assisting with a $30,000 grant.
Participants in the event will be treated to spectacular desert scenery as they navigate their way around the very challenging course. Many will extend their trip to include visits to the many iconic tourism destinations of the Red Centre.
President of the International Rogaining Federation Richard Robinson said the sport is capturing increasing interest in European countries, particularly in Russia, Estonia and Latvia, and that visiting Central Australia holds great appeal for European rogainers.
The sport requires good navigation skills, endurance and teamwork as participants in teams of between two or three people plot their way between checkpoints with the aid of a map and compass.
The championship event will run for 24 hours, from midday on the Saturday until midday Sunday, with participants reporting to officials and organisers based at a “hash house” at Ross River Resort.
Gary Higgins
Sport and Recreation Minister (pictured)
Thursday, April 25, 2024
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