Newsletter Number 55, March 2000
PO Box 3,
Central Park,
3145, Victoria.
neil.phillips@bigpond.com, 61-3-95721784 fax
President: Neil PhillipsCanadian Rogaining Association
The Canadian Rogaining Association was formed on 29th February 2000 under the leadership of Allan Stradeski. This historic event is the culmination of talks with leading rogainers after 3WRC, and further talks and planning during 4WRC in New Zealand. Allan is continuing the pattern of many of our leading rogainers having achieved a second overall in the 2WRC, backed-up with an important role in organizing 3WRC, and then putting efforts back into the leadership of the sport to ensure it grows for all to enjoy.
The Canadians have impeccable credentials to become a major contributor to international rogaining. Their first rogaine was a 24 hour event on 13th September 1986 near Calgary in blizzard-like weather. Jim Force had been a teacher in Melbourne and learned about rogaining through the Victorian Rogaining Association, and he joined with Andy Newson and Kitty Jones to run this rogaine and develop a strong rogaining community in Calgary and beyond. In 1990, this same group combined with the IRF to promote the Most Awesome Rogaine internationally, and what followed was a major success introducing rogaining to people from many different countries. The Sage rogaines in Kamloops under the leadership of Murray Foubister have been running since 1988 where they have taken advantage of some outstanding countryside for rogaining and developed a strong following in western North America. Murray has been a representative for Canada on the IRF for over a decade and was instrumental in the award of the 3rd World Rogaining Championships to Canada. In the east of Canada, events have been held less-regularly in different provinces with a highlight being the North American Rogaining Championships led by Michael Haynes in Nova Scotia in 1999. The 3rd World Rogaining Championships in Kamloops in 1998 demonstrated what a small community like Kamloops can achieve by working together towards a major sporting event.
The support for the Canadian Rogaining Association since it announced its start-up has been extremely heartening. Copies of Rules and Technical Regulations, Constitutions, Rod Costigan's 'Organizing a Rogaine', 'Rogaining' and ideas for insurance have flowed from the Australian Rogaining Association and from state associations and their presidents. Several of these people have also joined up as 'overseas' members of the Canadian Rogaining Association to demonstrate their support and interest. This backing of our newest association demonstrates the goodwill amongst the rogaining community internationally, and also highlights how important people feel it is to have strong rogaining groups in many countries to ensure the continuation of regular high quality rogaines.
The Canadian Rogaining Association can be contacted through Allan at woodski@mail.ocis.net for those who wish to join, to offer support, or just a word of encouragement.
The Canadian Rogaining Association will only exist because of vision and hard work, and at times pressing on despite doubts. However, it is from these small starts that large associations grow, and all those who have helped will be able to look back on 29th February 2000 with some pride.
WARA turns 20
On the subject of small starts: the Western Australian Rogaining Association turns 20 this year. Within its thousand members there are several who attended the first 24 hour rogaine in the Chittering Valley in 1980.
International Orienteering Federation
The IOF do not wish to be officially involved through their national associations with the constituting of the International Rogaining Federation. This decision clears the path ahead for the IRF by removing one option. However, it should not affect the grass roots co-operation that has helped both groups develop and grow worldwide over the last quarter of a century.
5th WRC Championships Manager
The Australian Rogaining Association has called for expressions of interest in the position of Championships Manager for the 5th World Rogaining Championships in the Czech Republic. This person will have responsibility for working with the Czech organizing team to ensure a high standard, well-attended rogaine in 2002.
"iv) The Championships Manager shall:
a) co-ordinate bids for the World Rogaining Championships,
b) coordinate assistance to the organizers of the World Rogaining Championships,
c) ensure that the World Rogaining Championships meet the standards set by the Council."
Other items
Mike Hotchkis reports that there will be a total eclipse at midnight on 16 July 2000, the night after several rogaines including the Australian Rogaining Championships.
The new web site that includes IRF Newsletters and managed by Alastair Honeybun is at http://rogaine.asn.au/
Neil Phillips, President IRF