What Is It?

Space Racing is a new and exciting concept in orienteering, designed especially for children of primary school age with all levels of sporting ability. The main goal of Space Racing is to introduce children to the sport of orienteering in a fun and interesting way. It aims to provide the learning of new skills and abilities in a non-threatening and safe environment.

Set in local parks, it is a new space age sport, where children competing for their team in a group, visit “Space Stations” in the park that are located in a Galaxy (on a map). Each competitor has an electronic recording device, or “Space Key” (SI stick) that records how long it takes to visit all the “Space Stations”. The times are printed out for each person at the end of the event. Through the course of the Space Racing series, teams will also have the chance to use GPS tracking to see exactly where they have travelled in the “Galaxy”.

How Do I Take Part?

Prior to the commencement of the Space Racing Series, participating schools will be involved in a familiarisation program in their own school setting or in a nearby park that has suitable safety boundaries. In this setting, the concept of Space Racing is introduced and participants can take part in a “Give Space Racing a Go” session. Following this session, interested students are invited to form multiple teams of three to represent their school in the Space Racing Series. Information, locations, registration and parental permission forms for the series are provided at this stage. There is no cost to register but there is a participation fee of $4 per student per week of the Space Racing series. The Space Racing Coordinator will also develop some follow up activities for students to continue to practise the Space Racing concept within their school setting.

The first week of Space Racing is a “Lets Go Space Racing” session with all registered participants and parents asked to attend. Each competitor, upon arrival, receives a calico bag printed with the Space Racing logo. Contents include a whistle, drink bottle, key tag and fixture fridge magnet, all printed with the Space Racing logo. Other relevant items are included, such as a club newsletter, printed brochures etc. Competitors will also get a team bib that they need to wear for each Space Race so their team can be easily identified.

How Can I Get More Information?

Space Racing is organised by the Space Racing coordinator Jane Calder, supported by volunteer members of Orienteering Tasmania affiliated clubs, each of whom have a valid Good Character Check.

Also check out the Space Racing site from Victoria’s Bendigo Orienteering Club, the originators of Space Racing.