Clare Sports Partnership, in conjunction with Orienteering Ireland, Clare County Council and Ennis Town Council, has launched a new Orienteering Map and orienteering venue in Lees Road Sports at Amenity Park in Ennis.The initiative is the first of three being developed for County Clare with the other venues including The Fair Green in Ennis and Cratloe Woods. It is anticipated that the network of orienteering venues will attract orienteering groups and national events to County Clare.
Orienteering is a sport that requires navigational skills using a map and compass to navigate from point to point in diverse and usually unfamiliar terrain. Participants are given a topographical map, usually a specially prepared orienteering map, which they use to find control points.
Commenting on the newly launched orienteering venue and map, John Sweeney, Coordinator of Clare Sports Partnership said: “Orienteering has in recent years become a popular activity for young people through school activities and local scouts and running clubs. It is anticipated that this initiative will provide a quality orienteering venue at Lees Road.”
Opened in 2005 and located just one kilometre from Ennis Town Centre, Lees Road Sports and Amenity Park is set in 134 acres of wood and park land. Among the facilities available are four conventional playing pitches, full size all weather playing pitch, 400m synthetic running track and a purpose built cross country running track.
Maps will be available for downloading and onsite by schools, local clubs and individuals from the Clare Sports partnership website at www.claresportspartnership.ie
