ISF World School Championships of Orienteering. Photo: Organizers.

ISF World School Championships of Orienteering. Photo: Organizers.

Winners from three nations

"The Friendship Event is our most important competition", Karl Keuppens says. Runners from New Zealand, Belgium Flanders and Slovenia at top.


"The Friendship Event is our most important competition", Karl Keuppens says. The Belgian is president of the ISF Orienteering's Technical Commission, and he explains: "There are mixed teams, and the athletes do not know each other. They have to find the other team members, communicate with them, talk with the others about the race strategy. It is a wonderful competition."

Isaac Sweetapple, Wouter Hus and Masa Volcic won the Friendship Event at the 13th ISF World School Championship in Primiero today, and they came from New Zealand, Belgium Flanders and Slovenia. Second place went to Sweden/Portugal/France (Marcus Andersson, Miguel Ferreira, Sarah Husson), third place to Czech Republic/Belgium Flanders/Ireland (Adam Wanek, Charlotte Theys, Duncan Lehane).

"It is a pity, that some nations like Switzerland, Norway, Denmark and Russia aren't here", Keuppens explains. "On the other hand, Sweden sent very strong teams. That means that we have had some discussion about level and lengths of the courses before the Championship started, just to find the right compromise for everybody."

Keuppens rules the Technical Commission since 2002 as its president and has seen many World Championships. "In Primiero, everything worked out very well. The organising committee with cartographer Roberto Pradel was very flexible; we were able to make little changes to the course at the very last moment. The work of the students's staff was very impressive and met the spirit of the ISF organisation."

Keuppens smiles when he thinks about the surprise for the participating coaches at today's Friendship Event. "At the refreshment point, there was water for the athletes, but grappa for the coaches..." And he looks relaxed to future challenges. "Portugal has all our trust to organise a great event in 2013. But for the moment: well done, Primiero!"

Tonight at 8:00 pm the closing ceremony of this ISF World School Championship will start, followed by the Farewell Party at 9:30 pm.

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More about the 2011 ISF Orienteering World School Championship: www.italiaor2011.com




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